NC State vs Duke Prediction 3/2/26 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate an NC State vs Duke prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, March 2nd at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

NC State Wolfpack Betting Preview

The NC State Wolfpack are 19-10 (10-6) this season after they lost to Notre Dame in overtime by a score of 96-90 in their last game. NC State led 44-38 at halftime, but they allowed 43 points in the second half and 15 points in overtime for the loss. The Wolfpack shot 46% from the field, 29% on three pointers, and 82% on free throws in the game. Ven-Allen Lubin led NC State with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Quadir Copeland added 17 points and nine assists in the loss. 

Prior to that game, NC State lost to Virginia by a score of 90-61, but did beat North Carolina by a score of 82-58 before that. The Wolfpack have scored 84.2 points per game with 35.1 rebounds and 16.1 assists per game, while they have allowed 75.1 points against per game this season. Darrion Williams is averaging 14.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, while Ven-Allen Lubin is averaging 13.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for the Wolfpack. NC State is shooting 47.1% from the field, 76.5% on free throws, and 38.6% on three pointers this season. 

Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview

The Duke Blue Devils are 27-2 (15-1) this year after they defeated Virginia by a score of 77-51 in their last game. Duke led 41-26 at halftime and they held UVA to just 25 points in the second half in the lopsided win. The Blue Devils shot 49% from the field, 50% on three pointers, and 93% on free throws in the game. Isaiah Evans led Duke with 19 points and three assists, while Cameron Boozer added 18 points and nine rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Duke defeated Notre Dame by a score of 100-56 and Michigan by a score of 68-63. The Blue Devils have scored 82.8 points per game with 39.9 rebounds and 17.1 assists per game, while they have allowed 62.5 points against per game this season. Cameron Boozer is averaging 22.5 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, while Isaiah Evans is averaging 14.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game for the Blue Devils. Duke is shooting 49.8% from the field, 72.9% on free throws, and 35.4% on three pointers this year. 

Why the NC State Wolfpack will win

• NC State has won eight of its last nine night games at Lenovo Center.
• NC State has won the first half in nine of its last 10 home games against Conference opponents.

Why the Duke Blue Devils will win

• Duke has won each of its last 29 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• NC State has lost eight of its last nine games against Top 5 AP-ranked opponents.
• Duke has won the first half in each of its last 19 night games as a top-5 AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.

Total Points Facts

• Thirteen of NC State’s last 14 games have produced a total of 150+ points.
• Five of Duke’s last six road games have produced a total of 139 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• NC State ranks 11th among Division 1 teams for turnover percentage this season (11.7%).
• NC State ranks 15th among Division 1 teams for assist to turnover ratio this season (1.72).
• Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (93.2).
• Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for net rating this season (+30.3).

NC State vs Duke Prediction 

Duke rolls into this matchup with a 15-1 record in conference play and they are ranked #1 in the country, but they will be on the road here. The Blue Devils are shooting 50% from the field and they have allowed 64 points or fewer in five straight games. NC State has lost four of their last five games, including a terrible loss to ND in their last game. The Wolfpack are shooting 47% from the field and they have allowed 90+ points in three of their last five. Take Duke to cover on the road here.