There usually isn't much thought to a Tuesday basketball game between Duke and Gardner-Webb, but the uncertain status of freshman star Paolo Banchero changes things.
According to court documents obtained by The News & Observer in North Carolina, Banchero was charged with aiding and abetting DWI while teammate Michael Savarino was arrested for DWI. The arrest was made early Sunday morning.
“We are reviewing a legal matter involving two members of the men’s basketball team,” Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a statement given to the newspaper. “Any further actions as a result of this situation will ultimately be determined by the Vice President/Director of Athletics and University officials.”
While Banchero's court date isn't until Dec. 8, the possibility of a suspension has already moved the betting line for Tuesday night's game.
Before the news was released, Duke was a 21.5-point favorite. That line has since moved to -19 across the board, with some spreads of 18.5 available. Real-time odds can be found and shopped for here.
The Blue Devils are 3-0 on the year with two wins against the spread. Duke covered its first two games against Kentucky and Army, but failed to cover as 23.5-point favorites against Campbell.
Meanwhile,the Runnin' Bulldogs have covered in each of their two losses. Gardner-Webb will play its third consecutive road game, after covering at Arkansas and at UNLV.
Banchero has scored at least 18 points in all three games this season while averaging 8.7 rebounds and shooting 67.7% from the field.
Savarino, Krzyzewski's grandson, has played once this season, tallying four minutes against Army. The junior was a walk-on later elevated to a scholarship player.
