BYU vs Duquesne Odds: Can the Cougars Contain the Dukes’ Upset Bid?

March Madness is finally here, and college basketball fans are buzzing with anticipation. In the first-round matchup, the #6 seed BYU Cougars will face a determined #11 seed Duquesne Dukes squad. But can the Dukes pull off a Cinderella story, or will the Cougars assert their seeding? Let’s delve into the BYU vs Duquesne odds and see what the experts predict.

BYU vs Duquesne Point Spread Analysis (ATS)

The oddsmakers have BYU as the clear favorite, with a spread currently sitting around 9.5 points. This means BYU needs to win by at least 10 points for a bet on them to cover the spread (ATS). Conversely, a wager on Duquesne would be successful if they either win the game outright or lose by fewer than 9.5 points.

The spread movement is interesting. BYU initially opened as an 8.5-point favorite, but the line has steadily climbed to 9.5. This suggests that some money might be flowing towards BYU, indicating confidence in their ability to win by a comfortable margin.

Factors to Consider When Betting the Spread

Here are some key factors to consider of BYU vs Duquesne odds bet:

1. BYU’s Offensive Struggles: While BYU boasts a strong record (23-10), they’ve struggled offensively recently, shooting just 31% from three over their last seven games. Can they break out of this slump against Duquesne’s defense?
2. Duquesne’s Defense: The Dukes are known for their stingy defense, holding opponents to a sub-30% shooting percentage in conference play. Can they replicate this success against BYU’s talented scorers?
3. Motivation: Both NCAAB teams will be highly motivated. BYU will want to avoid an upset, while Duquesne will relish the chance to be giant killers.

Moneyline and Over/Under Odds Analysis

The moneyline odds for this game are fairly close, reflecting the expected competitiveness. Here’s a typical example:

The total points for the game (Over/Under) is currently set at 142 points. Betting the Over means you believe both teams will combine to score more than 142 points, while the Under suggests a lower-scoring game.

Here’s a breakdown of what might influence the total:

• BYU’s Recent Offensive Struggles: As mentioned earlier, BYU’s recent shooting woes could push the game towards the Under.
• Duquesne’s Tempo: The Dukes tend to play a slower, more methodical style. This could also contribute to a lower-scoring game.
• Tournament Atmosphere: March Madness is known for its unpredictable nature. Upsets and close games are common. This could lead to a tighter contest with a lower score.

If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.