App State vs. Duke Odds
| Appalachian State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+21 -110 | 138.5 -120o / +100u | N/A |
| Duke Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-21 -110 | 138.5 -120o / +100u | N/A |
The Coach K retirement tour has gotten off to a roaring start this season. The Duke Blue Devils currently sit at No. 2 in the AP Poll. Now, the Blue Devils host the Appalachian State Mountaineers in the midst of their four-game homestand.
Each team is entering this contest off of a bounce-back performance following a loss.
The Blue Devils suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of the Ohio State Buckeyes, though they responded nicely by trouncing South Carolina State. They'll look to continue their momentum in this game and regain their confidence for conference play.
The Mountaineers have seemingly been trading wins and losses but have played multiple tight games against solid mid-major programs. This matchup will be their first big step up in competition.
Can Appalachian State rise to the occasion and give the Blue Devils all they can handle?
Appalachian State Mountaineers
Mountaineers Need Good Night from Downtown
This Mountaineers team has been up and down through the early portion of this season, and that's largely due to their dependence on making 3s.
Their offense is an interesting mix, as they shoot a relatively high amount of 3s — almost 44% of their scoring. However, they play at an incredibly slow pace, as they're 317th in tempo.
It is no surprise that their leading scorer fits perfectly into the mold of the offense. Senior guard Adrian Delph averages about 16 points per game and has made over 47% of his 3-point attempts. Delph is the heart of this Mountaineers team and his output will directly impact how this game plays out.
He has played an incredible 90.6% of available minutes through 11 games. So whether he is hot or cold, he will be out there and he will be shooting.
Delph is not alone, though, as the Mountaineers possess another trio that is adept from behind the arc.
This will be a quite difficult matchup, as the Blue Devils are a good defensive team that contests shots well and possesses a ton of length when it comes to closing out on shooters.
Duke Blue Devils
Duke's Three-Headed Monster
Entering the season, expectations were at an all-time high for this Duke team. The Blue Devils knew they would be playing with the external weight of their legendary coach retiring.
It has not seemed to have impacted these young Blue Devils to this point in the season, as they have a pair of signature wins over Gonzaga and Kentucky. Those types of wins have shown the true potential of this team.
The success is due in large part to the trio of two fabulous freshmen and a surging junior.
Leading the trio is the 6-foot-10 forward Paolo Banchero. The former No. 2 overall recruit has proven that he can do it all at this level. His talents were on full display against South Carolina State:
Every shot, assist, rebound, steal, block, & turnover from @DukeMBB forward Paolo Banchero's (@Pp_doesit) 12-14-21 game against South Carolina St https://t.co/BTbdbv5ZMa
Finally Duke is back with their first game since Nov. 30th! Solid 12/7/6 line from Banchero. #2022NBADraftpic.twitter.com/8bECxFTVXc
— The Scouting Rapport (@ScoutingRapport) December 15, 2021
Not far behind Banchero in the scoring department is Wendell Moore. Moore is the veteran leader of this team and has certainly lived up to that role on the court. He has taken his game up another notch this season, as he is currently averaging 17 points, six rebounds and five assists per game.
Last, but not least is freshman guard Trevor Keels. Keels is a dynamic component of this offense, as he possesses a very solid frame for a two-guard with the skill and touch to score from anywhere on the court.
He has shown to be a bit streaky but announced his presence with authority when he poured in 25 points in his very first college game against Kentucky.
This Duke offense should have no issues continually scoring inside, as the App State defense is 349th in two-point defense and has allowed opponents to shoot 68% in the paint.
Appalachian State vs. Duke Betting Pick
This game is going to be all Blue Devils, but the one thing that will factor greatly into the handicap of this matchup is determining how long Duke will keep its foot on the gas.
I am looking at the total in this one, as Duke can run away simply because App State will struggle mightily on offense. The Blue Devils will be able to set up and contest every jumper.
Take the under and enjoy the Paolo show.
