The No. 5 Duke Blue Devils (28-4 SU, 16-14 ATS) and Virginia Tech Hokies (21-10 SU, 13-14 ATS) roll into the semifinals of the 2011 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament, each with an agenda. The Blue Devils, guaranteed a seed in the NCAA Tournament, are playing for a regional No. 1 seed, while a win over Duke by the Hokies would solidify a spot in the Big Dance. Tip off is set for 3:00 pm Eastern.
Oddsmakers at most off shore sports shops list the Blue Devils as -7 1/2 NCAA Point Spreads favorites versus the Hokies with a posted 133 (Over/UNDER) game total. Hokies backers are getting +265 odds on the off shore moneyline while the Blue Devils are giving -300.
Early betting trends, always great tools for college fans making NCAA Basketball Predictions , show the public slamming the Blue Devils with 83 percent of the side action in spite of playing on the road at a hostile venue.
Virginia Tech eased past Florida State 52-51 in its quarterfinal round on Friday. The Hokies failed to cover the betting spread, lined as a 2-chalk favorites. Duke delivered a knock out blow to Maryland by winning handily 87-71. With the 16-point victory, Duke backers get a win ATS, lined as 9-chalk favorites.
To me, making NCAA Basketball Picks on this game is simple. Duke players will be highly motivated to win this game. Adding to that, Duke coach Mike Kzyzewski's ability to have his team ready for tournament play is legendary. However, Virginia Tech is not chopped liver. I fully expect Duke to win this game but the Hokies will be competitive. I like the Hokies getting the points. NCAAB Best Bet – Virgina Tech +7 1/2.
