In this article we will formulate a Duke vs Michigan prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, February 21st at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview
The Duke Blue Devils are 24-2 (13-1) this year after they defeated Syracuse by a score of 101-64 in their last game. Duke led 40-24 at halftime and they scored 61 points in the second half for the blowout win. The Blue Devils shot 62% from the field, 60% on three pointers, and 65% on free throws in the game. Cameron Boozer led Duke with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Isaiah Evans added 21 points and two rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, Duke defeated Clemson by a score of 67-54 and Pittsburgh by a score of 70-54. The Blue Devils have scored 83.0 points per game with 39.6 rebounds and 17.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 63.2 points against per game this season. Cameron Boozer is averaging 22.8 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, while Isaiah Evans is averaging 14.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game for the Blue Devils. Duke is shooting 50.1% from the field, 71.4% on free throws, and 34.9% on three pointers this year.
Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview
The Michigan Wolverines are 25-1 (15-1) this season after they defeated Purdue by a score of 91-80 in their last game. Michigan led 48-32 at halftime, but they did allow 48 points in the second half in the win. The Wolverines shot 53% from the field, 57% on three pointers, and 78% on free throws in the game. Elliot Cadeau led Michigan with 17 points and seven assists, while Yaxel Lendeborg added 13 points and seven assists in the win.
Prior to that game, Michigan defeated UCLA by a score of 86-56 and Northwestern by a score of 87-75. The Wolverines have scored 90.6 points per game with 41.5 rebounds and 19.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 68.8 points against per game this season. Yaxel Lendeborg is averaging 14.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, while Morez Johnson Jr is averaging 13.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game for the Wolverines. Michigan is shooting 51.4% from the field, 73.4% on free throws, and 36.1% on three pointers this season.
Why the Duke Blue Devils will win
- Duke has won each of its last nine games when playing with a rest advantage.
- Michigan has lost each of its last five games as a top-10 AP-ranked team against a top-10 AP-ranked team at neutral venues.
- Duke has won the first half in each of its last 20 February games as a top-10 AP-ranked team.
Why the Michigan Wolverines will win
- Michigan has won each of its last 20 night games.
- Duke has lost four of its last five February night games as a top-10 AP-ranked team against an AP-ranked team.
- Michigan has won the first half in each of its last seven games against non-Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Michigan’s last 15 games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 146 or fewer points.
- Each of Duke’s last six games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 150 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (93.6).
- Duke ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (9.2).
- Michigan is one of only two teams to reach the Sweet 16 in each of its last five NCAA Tournament appearances.
- Michigan ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+21.8).
Duke vs Michigan Prediction
These two teams come into this matchup with a combined record of 49-3, so this should be a great contest to watch. Duke is shooting 50% from the field and they have allowed 64 points or fewer in four of their last five games. Michigan is shooting 51% from the field and they have scored 82+ points in five straight. Duke is an elite defensive team, but Michigan is scoring over 90 points per game and I think they are going to have a big advantage in the paint. Take Michigan to get another win here.