Jump on Duke to Cover Huge Number vs La Salle
After bouncing back following a loss against Arizona, Duke hosts La Salle on Tuesday in its second game of the Blue Devil Challenge. Despite being undefeated, La Salle has not faced any competition on Duke’s level and are heavy underdogs, per college basketball lines.
Filipowski Leads Experienced Blue Devils
Known for ushering in top prospects and one-and-dones, this Duke team is surprisingly experienced, bringing back nearly 78% of points scored from last year’s ACC championship team. They are led by sophomore center Kyle Filipowski, who averages 18.8 points per game. But after dropping 25 in each of the first two contests this season, the 7-footer has only scored 15 and 10 in the last two.
Filipowski isn’t the only potential 2024 NBA draft pick for the Blue Devils. Sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor hasn’t been as effective as a scorer, but averages 5.8 assists and has only four turnovers.
But Duke is getting contributions from up and down the roster. Sophomore forward Mark Mitchell is on the heels of a career-high 20 points against Bucknell. Freshman guard Jared McCain had an impressive double-double in the same game with 17 points and 10 boards, and is shooting 44.4% from 3-point range on the season. Senior Jeremy Roach produces 11.8 points per game and also shoots a strong 46.2% from beyond the arc.
The depth gives Jon Scheyer’s team multiple ways to win and should be considered while making your NCAAB picks.
2023-24 Duke Blue Devils 📸 pic.twitter.com/FxgY0djlOL
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) October 6, 2023
La Salle Off to an Impressive Start
The Explorers are not nearly as deep as the Blue Devils, using only eight players through four games. They run through junior guard Khalil Brantley, who put up a career-high 30 points in the win against Southern Indiana. Backcourt mate Daeshon Shepherd started the season slowly but has scored 22 and 17 points in his last two games.
La Salle lacks depth, especially up against Filipowski and Northwestern transfer Ryan Young. Only one Explorer starter is taller than 6-foot-5, sophomore forward Rokas Jocius. He isn’t a major force on offense but is 12 for 24 from the floor. Expect Duke to dominate in the paint, a big consideration before heading to the BetUS sportsbook.
Explorers’ Fortunes Come to an End
La Salle lacks the depth, presence in the paint, and star factor to take down the Blue Devils. Outside of Brantley and Shepherd, they don’t have many threats to put up the necessary points. Our NCAA basketball predictions include Duke covering the 26½-point spread.
College Basketball Pick: Duke -26½
La Salle vs Duke Betting Lines
La Salle vs Duke Game Information
- Game: La Salle (4-0) vs Duke (3-1)
- Location: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, N.C.
- Date/Time: Tuesday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m. ET
- La Salle vs Duke Live Stream: TBS.com
Question Of The Day
Which team is the most likely to surprise everyone in the La Salle vs Duke game?
Neither. While La Salle is undefeated, they have not faced a team of Duke’s caliber and are unlikely to score an upset.
