The second game of Thursday’s West Regional doubleheader features Coach K in his 26th Sweet 16 against 2019 runner-up, Texas Tech.
One of the winning head coaches in NCAA history takes the floor for his final Sweet 16 appearance (26th all time) as Mike Krzyzewski and the Duke Blue Devils meet Mark Adams and the Texas Tech Red Raiders in what could be the most entertaining regional semifinal matchup.
The No. 2 Blue Devils (30-6 overall, 18-16-2 ATS) got to this point by defeating No. 15 Cal State Fullerton, 78-61, then rallying late against No. 7 Michigan State after trailing by five in the later stages of the game before taking an 85-76 decision.
The No. 3 Red Raiders (27-9 overall, 22-14 ATS) had absolutely no trouble in the first round, cruising past No. 14 Montana State, 97-62, before getting No. 11 Notre Dame’s best shot in round two. Texas Tech won, 59-53, to set up their second straight meeting with an ACC opponent in this tournament.
Here are my picks and predictions for Thursday’s NCAAB matchup between the Red Raiders and the Blue Devils. (Odds via BetMGM)
Texas Tech vs. Duke Game Info
Date/Time: 03/24/2022, approx. 9:39 EDT
TV: CBS
Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Texas Tech vs. Duke Odds Analysis
The books all feel these two teams are very evenly matched, as no book has a line bigger than 1.5 points. But it may come as a surprise to some that it is not Duke that is favored. Texas Tech is getting the love, but only by one point (BetMGM is the only 1.5-point line). Most of the moneylines for Tech are -110, while Duke’s range from -105 to -115.
The over/under is as low as 136.5 (BetRivers, Unibet) and as high as 138 (PointsBet). Some books also have a 137 or a 137.5 O/U. Most of the moneylines have been holding at -110.
Texas Tech vs. Duke Picks
Texas Tech -1.5 (-105)
Over 137.5 (-110)
Texas Tech vs. Duke Predictions
Texas Tech -1.5 (-105)
This might be the toughest matchup to call because both teams are so good. Duke is obviously loaded with talent, including potential No. 1 draft pick Paolo Banchero and Wendell Moore Jr. But Texas Tech’s defense is incredible and they can stifle Duke’s offense. Their defense ranks top ten in opponents points per game, opponent field goal shooting and defensive rebounds per game. That swarming defense may just be enough to push Texas Tech over the edge and send them back to the Elite 8 and end the legendary career of Mike Krzyzewski, just shy of 100 NCAA Tournament wins (he’s sitting on 99).
Over 137.5 (-110)
Texas Tech has a very good defense, but you also have to think Duke will get on some runs during this game. It’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility that both teams reach 70 points, which would hit the over. Both teams are averaging over 70 points per game (Duke is over 80). We’ll bank on a few runs,and the over hitting but Tech closing the door late on defense .