Maryland vs Duke: ACC Tournament Picks & Predictions
Written March 14, 2009 by Jordan Haimowitz
Another desperate team who MUST win comes through as expected. Maryland’s rather easy victory over Wake Forest yesterday has certainly punched their ticket. While Landon Milbourne didn’t out play Johnson last night he altered tons of shots that made Wake very uncomfortable posting a line of 8 points and 11 rebounds. Greivis Vasquez was, well, just about what he’s been for the entire second half of the season…spectacular. He had 22 points 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Coach Gary Williams has Maryland playing their best ball of the year and at the right time. On to the semi-final game where once again Maryland will attempt to knock off Duke. The Terps have not faired well at all this year against the Blue Devils. They have lost both times they played them by double digits. The Terps do have the athlete’s to match up against Duke. Maryland scored 72 PPG while giving up 68 PPG. While it is no secret that if Vasquez does not perform well then not only will Maryland get pounded by Duke they have the ability to lose to some bad teams such as Morgan State and Virginia. Once again for the second night in a row the X-factor will be Landon Milbourne. He will most likely get the nod to square up defensively against Duke’s high flying Gerald Henderson. If Milbourne is able to contain him, the third time may just be a charm for the Maryland Terrapins. Odds makers have made the Duke Blue Devils 8.5 point favoirtes over Maryland.
Duke was put to the test last night against Boston College. A closer game then many expected (including myself). However, as expected and predicted right here on Betfirms, Kyle Singler was on point from the opening tip until the last buzzer sounded. The eagles had no answer for the multi-talented big man who posted 26 points, 9 rebounds and a fierce 6 blocks while also shooting 10-15 from the field. Singler will have every opportunity to have a repeat big stat line tonight as Maryland has no legitimate big man. Forward Gerald Henderson will be guarded as stated above by Maryland’s best defensive player Landon Milbourne. This will be key, if Henderson is able to exploit Milbourne it will open up wide open shots on the kick out for the plethora of shooters Duke has.. Coach K is masterful in ACC games and you’d have to think he would have a game plan ready to go for today. The upsets have been a plenty throughout the nation in the conference tourney’s, so Duke better be prepared for this game. They have the statistical edge almost everywhere and have the advantage of match up problems for the Terps. Stay Tuned.
Haimo’s Hot Notes: Duke has defeated Maryland both times they faced this year. Once @ Maryland by the score of 78-67 and once at home in absolute dominating fashion 85-44. Duke this year is 15-15-1 ATS while Maryland is 14-10-2 ATS. Duke is 3-7-1 in their last 11 games ATS. Maryland in their last 19 games are 13-5-1 ATS. The trends show Maryland in this game. I have stated and proved in my previous picks that it is very hard to defeat a team three times in a row in one season. My friends, we are going to ignore that in this situation. Duke and UNC are all but set to meat once again in the conference championship and Maryland will not get in Duke’s game. The Terps will have no answer for Singler just as BC didn’t and Henderson will get the better of Landon Milbourne. Vasquez will post a decent line but it will not be enough. Expect Duke to play much better then they did yesterday and to advance to the championship game.
Betting Line: Duke -8.5
Jordan’s Pick: Take Duke -8.5
After a disappointing 0-2 night yesterday, I am set with three great picks to get back on track tonight. Be ready to cash in with these three winners.
Record To date:
6-7 OVERALL
3-1 BEST BETS
Get more great tips for betting on college basketball with the top expert NCAA basketball picks around. We’ve also compiled a great list of college basketball odds from the Internet’s top online sportsbooks.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- Maryland vs Wake Forest: ACC Tournament Preview
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2 Responses to “Maryland vs Duke: ACC Tournament Picks & Predictions”
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its gary williams, btw.
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dk02,
Yes that is a typo. Thank you for pointing that out I will have it swtiched asap. Make sure to take advantage of my plays tonight and I greatly appreciate the comment and correction
Jordan Haimowitz
(Betfirms)
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