SIU-EDWARDSVILLE COUGARS @ DUKE

Duke needs a sharper response

Duke enters after a 79–73 loss to Michigan State in which it shot 33.3% and committed 13 turnovers; Jon Scheyer said, "We weren't connected and we're going to fix it."

SIUE's scoring is spread across its guards

Jordan Pickett leads SIUE at 11.5 points per game, followed by David Wilson at 10.5 and Gianni Cobb at 10.0; Cobb also averages 3.0 assists.

Duke has the early rebounding edge

Duke averages 48.7 rebounds per game through the listed games, versus 37.5 for SIUE.

Monitor Ngongba's condition

Jon Scheyer said Patrick Ngongba II has been out and sick and that Duke needs to get him back, making his availability a watch.

SIUE brings a returning all-conference guard

Tyler King was recognized by the OVC as its only returning All-OVC honoree, giving SIUE a veteran presence on the road.

Pick Ideas

Angles drawn from the matchup analysis above and refreshed as the news changes. They are a separate read from the LineCrush pick for this matchup, so the two can land on different sides.

Consider SIUE plus the oversized spread

At +43.5, SIUE is worth a look because Dimers projects a 34-point Duke win.

Pass on the full-game total

Pass on 148.5: Dimers projects 148 combined points, offering little model-based separation.

Avoid Duke at an extreme moneyline price

Avoid Duke around -10000; the spread is more sensible than paying that price for a straight-up win.