Duke vs Siena Prediction 3/19/26 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Duke vs Siena prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 19th at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NCAA Tournament matchup.

Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview

The Duke Blue Devils are 32-2 (17-1) this year after they defeated Virginia by a score of 74-70 in their last game. Duke led 38-36 at halftime and they won the second half 36-34 to seal the win. The Blue Devils shot 38% from the field, 32% on three pointers, and 80% on free throws in the game. Isaiah Evans led Duke with 20 points and two rebounds, while Cayden Boozer added 16 points and five rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Duke defeated Clemson by a score of 73-61 and Florida State by a score of 80-79. The Blue Devils have scored 82.3 points per game with 40.3 rebounds and 16.9 assists per game, while they have allowed 63.1 points against per game this season. Cameron Boozer is averaging 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, while Isaiah Evans is averaging 14.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game for the Blue Devils. Duke is shooting 49.0% from the field, 72.4% on free throws, and 35.1% on three pointers this year.

Siena Saints Betting Preview

The Siena Saints are 23-11 (13-7) this season after they defeated Merrimack by a score of 64-54 in their last game. Siena led 33-30 at halftime and they held Merrimack to just 24 points in the second half in the win. The Saints shot 38% from the field, 25% on three pointers, and 86% on free throws in the game. Gavin Doty led Siena with 23 points and eight rebounds, while Riley Mulvey added 11 points and 11 rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Siena defeated Fairfield by a score of 76-61 and Mount St. Mary’s by a score of 63-58. The Saints have scored 70.5 points per game with 34.4 rebounds and 13.4 assists per game, while they have allowed 65.7 points against per game this season. Gavin Doty is averaging 17.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, while Justice Shoats is averaging 13.2 points and 4.4 assists per game for the Saints. Siena is shooting 45.7% from the field, 76.9% on free throws, and 30.4% on three pointers this season. 

Why the Duke Blue Devils will win

• Duke has won each of its last 32 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Siena has lost three of its last four games when playing with a rest advantage.
• Duke has won the first half in each of its last 10 NCAA Tournament games against a lower seed.

Why the Siena Saints will win

• Siena has won 12 of its last 13 day games.
• Siena has won the first half in each of its last four games played at neutral venues.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Duke’s last six NCAA Tournament games have produced a total of 137+ points.
• Seven of Siena’s last eight games against non-Conference opponents at neutral venues have produced a total of 133 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+20.5).
• Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (93.5).
• Siena ranks 359th among Division 1 teams for pace this season (63.3).
• Siena ranks 16th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (15.4).

Duke vs Siena Prediction

Duke comes into the NCAA Tournament as the number one overall seed, but they have some lingering injuries to key players. Despite those injuries, the Blue Devils were still able to win the ACC Tournament and they have a huge talent advantage here. Siena won the MAAC Tournament and they are a very strong defensive team, as they have allowed 61 points or fewer in four straight. I think Siena could give a few teams in this Tournament trouble, but Duke is not one of them. I also think Siena can keep it within 30 points, especially with some guys sitting for Duke, so take the Saints to cover this huge number.