VCU the play versus Duke
Game Time: 3/15/2007 7:10:00 PM
By: Michael Alexander
An up-and-down season for Duke has the Blue Devils vulnerable to the unthinkable: One and out in the NCAA Tournament. Though Duke comes into this first round contest as the favorites, the Virginia Commonwealth Rams are primed for the upset. Tip off is scheduled for a little past 7:00 p.m. tonight at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY.
In a first round West Regional contest, Virginia Commonwealth takes on the once mighty Duke Blue Devils. VCU is coming off a fantastic year and closed on a 5-game winning streak that put them at 27-6 straight up and 16-13 against the spread. Away from home VCU has been very good posting a 15-4 straight up and 11-6 against the spread mark.
The Rams' offense, although not stellar, has produced 74.8 points per game on 46% shooting from the floor and has been especially effective from beyond the arc hitting 40% on the season. Their defense has been relatively stingy giving up only 64.8 points per game.
The Duke Blue Devils come into this game reeling as they have dropped three in a row and seven of their last 11 contests. By Duke standards they have not had a good season as they come in at 22-10 straight up and 14-14 against the spread. On the road the Blue Devils are only 7-6 both straight up and against the spread.
The Duke offense has not been as productive as past years scoring only 70.2 points per game, but has shot respectable at 46.9% from the floor. Their defense has been alright giving up 67.2 points per game away from home.
Supporting angles include Virginia Commonwealth being 7-1 against the spread (+5.9 Units) in road games after three or more consecutive wins this season. Duke is 5-13 against the spread (-9.3 Units) in road games after one or more consecutive overs over the last two seasons. Duke is 6-15 against the spread (-10.5 Units) versus very good teams - outscoring their opponents by 8+ points/game after 15+ games over the last two seasons.
The Duke team that you see this year is just not up to normal standards and they will be playing a team hitting on all cylinders. Lots of points to give in what will be a tight ball game. I'm taking the points and VCU.
Play: Virginia Commonwealth +6
Game Time: 3/15/2007 7:10:00 PM
By: Michael Alexander
An up-and-down season for Duke has the Blue Devils vulnerable to the unthinkable: One and out in the NCAA Tournament. Though Duke comes into this first round contest as the favorites, the Virginia Commonwealth Rams are primed for the upset. Tip off is scheduled for a little past 7:00 p.m. tonight at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY.
In a first round West Regional contest, Virginia Commonwealth takes on the once mighty Duke Blue Devils. VCU is coming off a fantastic year and closed on a 5-game winning streak that put them at 27-6 straight up and 16-13 against the spread. Away from home VCU has been very good posting a 15-4 straight up and 11-6 against the spread mark.
The Rams' offense, although not stellar, has produced 74.8 points per game on 46% shooting from the floor and has been especially effective from beyond the arc hitting 40% on the season. Their defense has been relatively stingy giving up only 64.8 points per game.
The Duke Blue Devils come into this game reeling as they have dropped three in a row and seven of their last 11 contests. By Duke standards they have not had a good season as they come in at 22-10 straight up and 14-14 against the spread. On the road the Blue Devils are only 7-6 both straight up and against the spread.
The Duke offense has not been as productive as past years scoring only 70.2 points per game, but has shot respectable at 46.9% from the floor. Their defense has been alright giving up 67.2 points per game away from home.
Supporting angles include Virginia Commonwealth being 7-1 against the spread (+5.9 Units) in road games after three or more consecutive wins this season. Duke is 5-13 against the spread (-9.3 Units) in road games after one or more consecutive overs over the last two seasons. Duke is 6-15 against the spread (-10.5 Units) versus very good teams - outscoring their opponents by 8+ points/game after 15+ games over the last two seasons.
The Duke team that you see this year is just not up to normal standards and they will be playing a team hitting on all cylinders. Lots of points to give in what will be a tight ball game. I'm taking the points and VCU.
Play: Virginia Commonwealth +6
