Expert prediction
No. 11 Virginia vs No. 1 Duke Preview, Odds, Predictions (Feb. 28)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Cavaliers went up three spots in the latest AP poll.
- The Blue Devils have won their last five games in league play.
- This marks the 181st all-time matchup between the two ACC squads.
The first ranked matchup of the Feb. 28 slate will commence at the ACC level as the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils host the No. 11 Virginia Cavaliers. The visitors come out as the solid favorite, showing that the hosts have their work cut out for them throughout one of the biggest games of the day.
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, Feb. 28, 12 pm ET
- Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, North Carolina
- How to Watch: ESPN
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | -110 | +9.5 | O141 |
| Duke | -110 | -9.5 | U141 |
Game Preview
The No. 14 Cavaliers (25-3, 13-2 ACC) have strongly performed as one of the best ACC squads. They have won their last nine games, recently taking down Miami and NC State. They lead the ACC in total rebounds (41.3) and offensive rebounds (13.8), 10th and 13th in the nation respectively, and rank third in the ACC in rebound margin (+8.8). The Cavaliers have the best three-point percentage defense in the league (30.0%) and the second-best field goal percentage defense (39.3%). Thijs De Ridder tops four Cavaliers scoring in double figures with 16.0 points per contest, adding 6.3 boards per game. Meanwhile, Dallin Hall owns the best assist-to-turnover ratio in the ACC (3.16) with 117 assists (4.2 apg) and 37 turnovers.
The No. 1 Blue Devils (26-2, 14-1 ACC) maintain their hold over the top spot of the AP Top 25. They sit at the top of the ACC standings, on pace to secure the regular-season title. The Blue Devils rank third in the nation and first in the ACC in scoring defense (62.9 ppg). The Blue Devils lead the ACC and are fifth nationally in scoring margin (+20.1). Cameron Boozer is the nation’s sixth-leading scorer with 22.7 points per game and tops the ACC in rebounding (10.1 rpg), is eighth in steals (1.7 spg), 13th in assists (4.0 apg) and third in field goal percentage (.583).
Virginia vs Duke Head-to-Head
The two programs have had 180 meetings in their history, and the result is 126-54 for the Blue Devils. The last matchup was in February 2025 when Duke won 80-62 on the road.
Virginia vs Duke Predictions
This matchup is crucial for both squads, riding high on active win streaks. Duke will need to beat Virginia to secure at least a share of the regular-season title. The Cavaliers have to stun the Blue Devils to even up their conference records and have the last two games be monumental. It will take a lot for the visitors to stun the historic powerhouse, especially when the hosts are undefeated at home this season. Our betting pick here is the Blue Devils to defend a 9.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Duke Blue Devils -9.5
NCAAB
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