Game Details:
- Date & Time: Friday, March 21, 2025, at 2:50 p.m. ET
- Location: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Broadcast: CBS
- Betting Odds:
- Point Spread: Duke -23.5
- Moneyline: Duke -5000 | Mount St. Mary’s +1800
- Over/Under: 145.5 points
- BPI Projection: Duke has a 96.7% chance of winning (ESPN)
Duke Blue Devils Overview (31-3, 19-1 ACC)
The Blue Devils enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the East Region, showcasing one of the nation’s most dominant teams. Duke averages 82.7 points per game while allowing just 61.9 points per game, emphasizing their balance on both ends of the court.
Key Player:
- Cooper Flagg (18.9 PPG, 4.1 APG, 48.8% FG): The freshman sensation is Duke’s leader, a versatile scorer and defender who’s a matchup nightmare.
Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers Overview (22-12, 13-5 MAAC)
Mount St. Mary’s secured their NCAA Tournament spot by winning the MAAC Championship. They play a methodical style, averaging 68.6 points per game while allowing 67.3 points per game.
Key Player:
- Dallas Hobbs (15.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG): The senior guard’s scoring and rebounding will be vital if Mount St. Mary’s hopes to keep pace with Duke.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Pace of Play:
Duke prefers an up-tempo attack, while Mount St. Mary’s will look to slow things down. Controlling the game speed will be key. - Perimeter Defense:
Duke’s reliance on three-point shooting could decide the game. If Mount St. Mary’s can close out shooters, they’ll stay within striking distance. - Rebounding Battle:
Duke’s athleticism gives them an edge. Mount St. Mary’s must limit second-chance points to remain competitive.
Betting Angles & Trends:
- Against the Spread (ATS):
- Duke: 21-10-0 ATS (67.7%)
- Mount St. Mary’s: 18-11-1 ATS (62%)
- Over/Under Trends:
- Duke leans toward high-scoring games.
- Total set at 145.5 points presents value on the Over considering Duke’s offense.
Expert Predictions & Best Bets:
🔥 Best Bet: Mount St. Mary’s +23.5 (-110)
💰 Lean: Over 145.5 (-110)
🎯 Prop Bet: Total Rebounds Over 80.5
Final Thoughts: Duke Blue Devils vs. Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers Preview
Duke enters as the heavy favorite, with Cooper Flagg leading one of the most efficient offenses in the country. Mount St. Mary’s will rely on pace control and defensive discipline to stay within the spread. For bettors, the combination of a large spread and Duke’s scoring potential opens up value on both the Mountaineers ATS and the Over.
