It's a battle of historic proportions as Duke takes on Houston for the right to advance to the Elite Eight in the NCAAB Tournament tonight. The new blood Cougars take on one of college basketball's all-time great programs, with one of the nations' most efficient offenses battling the country's most menacing defensive team.
Houston entered the tournament as a National Title favorite. But, the Cougars will be looking for a better showing after very nearly blowing a late lead before finally overcoming Texas A&M in overtime of their round of 32 contest. While the Blue Devils have the momentum after blowing James Madison off the floor in their 38-point victory.
Dive into my Duke vs Houston same-game parlay:
NCAAB Same-Game Parlay: Duke vs Houston
| Pick | Odds |
|---|---|
| Duke +4.5 | -105 |
| OVER 134.5 | -112 |
| Jeremy Roach OVER 3.5 Assists | -125 |
| SGP Odds | +500 |
Matchup: Duke vs Houston
Pick 1: Duke +4
While the Cougars menacing defense looms, I just can't get to this number. Remember, Houston was dismantled by Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship game, and nearly lost to No. 8 Texas A&M in the second round.
On the flip side, Duke easily dismissed Vermont in the first round, before knocking down 14 threes in their 93-55 second round victory over James Madison. The Blue Devils scoring depth and talented guards shone as Jared McCain and Tyrese Proctor dominated with 30 and 18 points respectively.
Kyle Filipowski 14 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST Highlights vs James Madison | Second Round #MarchMadness 😈 pic.twitter.com/54y35Pn3eo
— DukeLights 𝕏 (@DukeLightsX) March 25, 2024
Houston's veteran backcourt of LJ Cryer and Jamal Shead won't be swept aside. However, the Cougars don't have a player who can match up with the size and scoring ability of Kyle Filipowski. Duke could very well get hot again and run Houston off the floor. The Blue Devils have gone 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS in games with totals UNDER 135 this season. At the very least I like the Blue Devils to keep this one close.
Pick 2: OVER 134.5 Total Points
According to Haslametrics, Duke boasts the fifth rated offense in the country, scoring 122 points per 100 possessions. While Houston scores over 118. For all the praise the Cougars defense gets them, they just gave up 86 regulation points to Texas A&M's 22nd ranked offense.
Sportsbooks want you to lean on the UNDER, but I expect the Blue Devils to control the pace early and force the Cougars to play catchup. Making the OVER 134.5 an easy play.
Pick 3: Jeremy Roach OVER 3.5 Assists
Duke's super senior has been as consistent as ever this season. Jeremy Roach is a head coach's dream, with the ball-handling ability, vision and shooting chops to operate an offensive scheme to perfection.
He's recorded four or more assists in three straight games and just had seven in Duke's rout of James Madison. Look for Roach to control the rock and get Duke's sharpshooters involved in the game early.
