Categories
NCAAB

Mercer Bears vs. Duke Blue Devils NCAA Tourney Betting Predictions & Preview

Mercer vs Duke Gambling Lines

The 14th-seeded Mercer Bears and the third-seeded Duke Blue Devils will open day two action in the Midwest Region at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina on Friday. [ad-4468020]

2014 NCAA Tournament Free Picks
Midwest Region – 2nd Round
14 Mercer Bears (26-8) at 3 Duke Blue Devils (26-8)
Date: Friday, March 21, 2014
Time: 12:15 PM ET
Venue: PNC Arena
City: Raleigh, North Carolina
O/U Odds: 140.5
Spread: Duke -13
[dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

Matchup Stats | ATS Insider Preview

Mercer punched its ticket to the Big Dance by winning the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament, while Duke fell to Virginia in the finals of the ACC tournament.

The Blue Devils were in the hunt for a No. 1 seed in the tournament but couldn’t seal the deal with a win over Virginia in the ACC tournament finals, falling to the Cavaliers by a score of 72-63.

That wasn’t for a lack of effort from star freshman Jabari Parker, who led the team with 23 points and eight rebounds, and filled out his stat sheet with two steals, an assist, and a block.

*CLICK HERE* GRAB OUR BEST Expert CBB Picks for 2014 GAMBLING season!

Parker has been as advertised for the Blue Devils, leading the team in points with 19.3 per game, and rebounds, with 8.8 per game. Parker had been far too content taking shots from distant early in the year, and then again to begin conference play, but his increased willingness to get to the rim has really helped him to improve his effectiveness.

His performance in the tournament will dictate how far Duke is able to go.

As for Mercer, they’re into the tournament for the first time since 1985, and will hope some magic rubbed off on them in their last matchup.

Mercer beat last year’s Cinderella, Florida Gulf-Cost in the Atlantic Sun tournament finals, claiming a 68-60 decision.
[ad-6571516]
Four of the Bears’ starters scored in double-figures, and despite shooting just 36.7 percent from the field and 20.0 percent from beyond the arc, the team was able to knock down 83.3 percent of its free throws to help carry themselves to victory.

These teams bring identical records into this tournament, but find themselves seeded 11 spots ahead. That isn’t wrong, but Mercer isn’t getting the kind of respect they deserve after a strong season, while Duke has been very vulnerable for a while now.

The Blue Devils should be able to push through to the Round of 32, but don’t be surprised if they have to put in a little work to get there.

Additionally, both sides have been able to score the basketball, and while opening round overs can be a tricky proposition as teams get acclimated with an unfamiliar court and new rims, this total still feels low.

The Bears are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games against opponents with a winning percentage above .600, while the Blue Devils are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.

The over is 4-0 in the Bears’ last four non-conference games, and it is 7-2 in their last nine games overall.

The play: Mercer +13, Over 140

By Gino Bottero

Gino is new to CappersPicks.com but NOT new to the online gambling industry.He's got an AMAZING knack for discovering hidden gems when it comes to betting on sports. Stick with him as he predicts when a team will have a letdown! Check Gino out for NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLB betting articles all season long!