The Duquesne Dukes (24-11, 10-8 A-10) are surfing atop a massive wave of momentum after securing the Atlantic 10 title and their first NCAA bid in 47 years. Kicking off the season with a rocky 9-8 record, they’ve captured 15 wins out of their last 18 games, hitting the tourney floor for the first time since disco 1977.
After winning four games in four days to clinch their spot, the Dukes are pumped and ready to take on the BYU Cougars (23-10, 10-8 Big 12).
Duquesne’s defense is an enigma, and I’m betting it’ll throw BYU for a loop. They’ve got a different vibe than teams like TCU and Texas Tech, who rely on speedy, agile forwards. Duquesne sticks to a more classic game with their big guys, who don’t hassle players out on the perimeter as much.
Let’s delve into this showdown between Duquesne vs BYU, including expert predictions, betting odds, viewing information, and best sportsbook promos available, read on.
No. 11 Duquesne vs No. 6 BYU Odds & Details
- Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
- Time: 12:40 p.m. ET
- Watch: TruTV
- Location: CHI Health Center Arena; Omaha, NE
- Spread: Duquesne +10.0 (-110), BYU +10.0 (-110)
- Moneyline: Duquesne (+328), BYU (-430)
- Total: Over/Under 141.5 (-110)
Duquesne vs BYU Betting Preview
Without the threat of being swarmed by double teams at the arc, BYU’s bigs should be free to dominate the paint and let big man Aly Khalifa be the maestro from the high post. Sure, Duquesne can try to scheme against Aly’s slick passing, but good luck to them trying to decode his magic with just a few days to prep.
Also, Duquesne is not very effective at stopping teams from snagging second-chance points. Ranked 222nd in letting teams grab offensive rebounds, BYU must hustle more on the offensive glass than they did against Texas Tech. If BYU’s shots aren’t dropping and they’re not hustling for rebounds, Duquesne might just stage an upset.
Duquesne’s guards know how to score, so BYU better stay sharp. But Duquesne’s offense isn’t quite as scary compared to the firepower in the Big 12. That doesn’t mean they can’t have a day where everything they throw up turns to gold, but it’s not their usual route to victory.
BYU’s grind through the Big 12 has toughened them up, transforming them from road trip underdogs to conquerors of Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse. Plus, they’re seasoned veterans, which usually gives Duquesne an edge over their opponents.
For Duquesne, their dream scenario is putting BYU on the back foot early, hoping the Cougars can’t crack their stellar defense. Although the Dukes managed to cling on after cornering VCU early on, BYU presents a new challenge. It’s tough picturing Duquesne keeping BYU’s arsenal in check for the full 40.
Duquesne’s gritty play will stir up some trouble, but BYU’s offensive versatility and focused defense will ultimately carry the day.
I’m taking the Over in this early NCAA Tournament matchup. That said, the Dukes do enough to keep it close enough that the Cougars secure the win but don’t cover the spread.
PREDICTION: BYU wins 76-69
BET: Duquesne +10.0 (-110)
BET: Over 141.5 (-110)
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