Our Louisville vs. Duke predictions are calling for a big game from Blue Devils big man Patrick Ngongba II. Free college basketball picks for Monday, January 26.
Two of the best offenses in the ACC do battle on Monday night when the Louisville Cardinals travel to Cameron Indoor Stadium to face the Duke Blue Devils. Both teams are led by exciting freshmen in Mikel Brown Jr.
and Cameron Boozer. But my Louisville vs. Duke predictions andmet a few weeks ago, Duke starting center Patrick Ngongba II was involved in one of the more bizarre calls of the season. Midway through the first half, he and Louisville’s Kasean Pryor were each slapped with technical fouls as the two teams returned to the floor following a timeout. Seconds later, the big man picked up his third foul and was done for some time. He ended up playing just 10 minutes in that game, scoring a season-low four points and attempting just four shots. Given the extra motivation, I love getting his scoring total at 9.5 points. This is a great matchup for him against a Louisville defense that has shown it can be pushed around inside by physical frontcourts. With the attention the Cardinals will have to pay towards Cameron Boozer, it’s unlikely they will afford any help defense. And Ngongba has shown the ability to win those one-on-one matchups. Not only is he posting a 65.7% eFG% on the year, but he gets to the charity stripe often behind an eye-popping 75.7% free-throw rate. That’s problematic for Louisville, which ranks 154th in sending players to the foul line. The Blue Devils attempt more than 44% of their shots from close range, and getting to the rim will be their focus against the Cardinals. And in the four games since their prior meeting, he’s averaged 12.8 points. Look for Ngongba to have a double-digit scoring night at Cameron Indoor, where his scoring average is more than two points higher than what he manages away from home. Duke’s emphasis on controlling the frontcourt leaves it vulnerable to outside shooting. The Blue Devils are allowing the third-highest 3P% in ACC play with opponents making 37.8% of their attempts. No team in college hoops fires from distance at a higher rate than the Cardinals, and Ryan Conwell has a perpetual green light. He’s taken at least 11 shots outside the arc in his last eight appearances, and has made 16 of them in his last four games. Mikel Brown Jr. will help Conwell get high-quality looks, and his return to the lineup was a welcome sight against Virginia Tech, where he dropped six dimes. He may be forced to give up the ball more often against the 6-foot-6 Isaiah Evans. The Cardinals rank in the Top 30 in assist rate, while the Blue Devils rank 177th in assist rate against. This is a great spot for Brown to find his open teammates for open treys, and I’d be shocked if he doesn’t get at least four dimes.Louisville is a much better team with Brown on the floor, and the Cardinals were beating Duke at home for quite some time before letting go of the rope. But this game is at Cameron Indoor, where Duke always tends to get a favorable whistle. The Blue Devils rank second in ACC play at getting to the line, while ranking first in fewest FTs trips allowed. With how well the Blue Devils defend the rim and force turnovers, this game will likely slip away from the Cardinals late as Duke players parade to the charity stripe. : Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links. Jason has been hooked on football since watching Real Madrid and Manchester United in the 2003 Champions League, and has been betting on the sport for nearly 15 years. He has given soccer gambling and fantasy advice for nearly a decade, writing for sites including Rotowire, SB Nation, and The TwinSpires Edge.Warriors vs Timberwolves Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA GameTrail Blazers vs Celtics Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA GameMarch Madness Odds For Men's NCAA Tournament 2026Kansas vs Kansas State Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's College Basketball GameHouston vs Texas Tech Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's College Basketball GameIf you choose to make use of any information on this website including online sports betting services from any websites that may be featured on this website, we strongly recommend that you carefully check your local laws before doing so.It is your sole responsibility to understand your local laws and observe them strictly.Covers does not provide any advice or guidance as to the legality of online sports betting or other online gambling activities within your jurisdiction and you are responsible for complying with laws that are applicable to you in your relevant locality.Covers disclaims all liability associated with your use of this website and use of any information contained on it.As a condition of using this website, you agree to hold the owner of this website harmless from any claims arising from your use of any services on any third party website that may be featured by Covers.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mikel Brown Jr. Picks Up Where He Left Off in Louisville's Win vs. Virginia TechThe star true freshman point guard had missed the previous eight games, but didn't skip a beat in his return to the floor.
Read more »
Warriors vs Timberwolves Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA GameOur Warriors vs. Timberwolves predictions expect Minnesota to blast the Dubs.
Read more »
Devils vs Kraken Prediction, Picks & Same-Game Parlay for Today's NHL GameOur Devils vs. Kraken predictions expect Dougie Hamilton's recent increase in production to continue in Seattle tonight.
Read more »
Pelicans vs Spurs Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA GameOur Pelicans vs. Spurs predictions expect NOLA to keep things close in San Antonio tonight.
Read more »
Duke-Louisville and Arizona-BYU Will Offer NBA Draft FireworksNBA Draft prospects are set to face off in two major college basketball matchups tonight.
Read more »
Preview: Louisville Travels to Duke for Ranked RematchThe Cardinals have a short turnaround in store, heading to Durham for another shot at the Blue Devils.
Read more »