Northwestern +10.5 2.2* play
Northwestern has had a lot of bad games particularly in conference play, but at times they have shown they can be competitive. Here they are at home as under dogs by 10.5 against Ohio State. Ohio State is in an interesting situation they won by 10 at home vs. Northwestern this year as 17 point favorites and were tied at half time. Ohio State just upset Michigan State and now they have two competitive games up next including a game against Indiana and Illinois. This is a hang over/look ahead game for the Buckeyes and I canât see them taking Northwestern seriously. I see Northwestern giving a little scare into Ohio State at home with a pumped up crowd.
Virginia pk 3.3* play
Duke has not played well at home while Virginia is 16-0 at home. Both are similar in conference play, but what I like about this game is Duke has a huge revenge game thatâs getting a lot of attention by ESPN against Miami. I see Duke looking ahead and not being able to match the intensity that Virginia brings at home. The difference between these two teams is defense. Virginia has a significant edge holding opponents to 41.6% in conference play while Duke is at 45.2%. Both teams will shoot it from three and Virginia matches Duke there as well offensively and defensively. Virginia however is much better at defending the inside game ranking 37th holding opponents to 43.1% and 38.7% at home. Duke is ranked 122nd and is allowing 61.2% in their last 3 games 49.7% on the road on the season.
The main difference is that Virginia is at home and Duke is looking ahead to a classic match up with Miami where they lost by nearly 30 points earlier this season. Virginia is holding opponents to 34% shooting at home, 25% from three and is +2.4 FTA, +3.2 reb, and +3.6 turnovers at home. Virginia is 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 home games while Duke is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning record of greater than 60%.
