Duke vs Virginia Tech Prediction 12-31-24 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Duke vs Virginia Tech prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, December 31st at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview

The Duke Blue Devils are 10-2 (2-0) this year after they defeated Georgia Tech by a score of 82-56 in their last game. Duke led 41-36 at halftime and held Georgia Tech to just 20 points in the second half in the win. The Blue Devils shot 56.4% from the field, 40% on three-pointers, and 66.7% on free throws in the game. Kon Knueppel led Duke with 18 points and five assists in the game, while Khaman Maluach added 15 points and eight rebounds. 

Prior to that win, the Blue Devils won five games in a row against George Mason, Incarnate Word, Louisville, Auburn, and Seattle. Duke has already picked up two conference wins against Louisville and Georgia Tech, and they are tied for first in the ACC with Clemson and SMU. Duke has scored 78.9 points per game and they have allowed 58.5 points per game, while also averaging 40 rebounds and 16.2 assists per game this season. Cooper Flagg is averaging 16.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while Kon Knueppel is averaging 12.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this year. Duke is shooting 46.4% from the field, 73.4% on free throws, and 35.4% on three-pointers this year. 

Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Preview

The Virginia Tech Hokies are 5-7 (0-1) this season after they lost to St. Joe’s by a score of 82-62 in their last game. Virginia Tech only trailed 32-30 at halftime, but they were outscored 50-32 in the second half in the loss. The Hokies shot 40.7% from the field, 31.8% on three-pointers, and 84.6% on free throws in the game. Ben Burhham led Virginia Tech with 11 points and two rebounds, while Ben Hammond added 11 points and two assists in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Hokies defeated Navy by a score of 80-72 and NC A&T by a score of 95-67. Virginia Tech has lost seven of their last nine games, including a 64-59 loss to Pittsburgh in their first conference game, and they are tied for 11th in the ACC standings. Virginia Tech has scored 70.4 points per game and they have allowed 71.3 points per game, while also averaging 35.2 rebounds and 13.6 assists per game this season. Tobi Lawal is averaging 10.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game, while Mylyjael Poteat is averaging 10.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game this season. Virginia Tech is shooting 42.9% from the field, 73.1% on free throws, and 34.1% on three-pointers this year. 

Why Duke will beat Virginia Tech

• Duke has won each of its last 12 day games at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
• Virginia Tech has lost five of its last six road games against the Atlantic Coast Conference.
• Duke has won the first half in each of its last 12 games at Cameron Indoor Stadium against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Duke vs Virginia Tech Prediction 

Duke comes into this matchup with a 10-2 record to start the season and they are ranked #4 in the nation. The Blue Devils only have losses against Kentucky and Kansas, while picking up wins against Arizona and Auburn. Virginia Tech is just 5-7 on the year and they were just blown out by St. Joe’s at home. The Hokies have lost seven of their last nine games, with six of those losses coming by double digits. 

Duke’s offense has been pretty average to start the season, but their defense has been very good, as they are allowing 58.5 points per game. The Blue Devils have allowed 56 points or fewer in three straight games and will face a VT team that is shooting just 42.9% from the field. Virginia Tech has struggled at both ends of the court and I can’t trust them after losing by 20 at home to St. Joe’s. Take Duke here.