Pittsburgh Panthers vs Duke Blue Devils – NCAA Basketball Preview – Jan 7, 2025
The Pittsburgh Panthers travel to Cameron Indoor Stadium to face the Duke Blue Devils on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Both teams are tied at 12-2, with Pittsburgh sitting 3rd in the ACC and Duke at 1st. This matchup will test the Panthers’ recent hot streak against a Duke team riding an eight-game winning streak.
Last season, Pittsburgh stunned Duke on their home court with an 80-76 victory. The Blue Devils will aim for redemption in this high-stakes ACC showdown, while Pittsburgh seeks to build on their five-game win streak, powered by efficient shooting and strong defense.
Panthers Preview – Can Pittsburgh Pull Off Another Upset?
Pittsburgh enters the game with momentum after defeating Stanford 83-68 on Saturday. Ishmael Leggett led the team with 21 points in his return from an ankle injury, shooting 9-for-13 from the field. The Panthers have been shooting over 50% in their last four games, a key factor in their recent success.
Guillermo Diaz Graham anchors the defense and provides vocal leadership. His presence will be vital in countering Duke’s inside game. Offensively, Jamarius Burton and Leggett have been reliable, while the team’s emphasis on communication has strengthened their rotations and defensive schemes.
The Panthers have proven they can compete in tough environments, but facing Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium presents a unique challenge. Limiting turnovers and hitting timely shots will be critical for Pittsburgh to stay competitive.
Blue Devils Preview – Will Duke Protect Home Court?
Duke continues to build chemistry, as evidenced by their 89-62 win over SMU despite missing head coach Jon Scheyer due to illness. Cooper Flagg, the standout freshman, recorded 24 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing why he’s one of the top prospects in college basketball. Flagg leads the Blue Devils in scoring (17.4 points), rebounds (8.4), and assists (3.6) per game.
Tyrese Proctor has been a steady contributor, complementing Flagg’s dynamic play. The Blue Devils’ defense has been dominant, allowing just 59.2 points per game, ranking among the best in the NCAA. Their ability to control the boards and contest shots has been critical to their success.
Duke has won all eight home games this season and will rely on the raucous Cameron Indoor crowd to maintain their edge. The Blue Devils will look to avoid another upset against a Pittsburgh team that shocked them in Durham last season.
Betting Prediction
Duke is a 14.5-point favorite with a total set at 143.5. While Duke’s defensive strength and home-court advantage make them the clear favorite, Pittsburgh’s recent form and ability to shoot efficiently may keep the game closer than expected. The Blue Devils’ defense is likely to limit scoring, keeping the total under.
Expect Duke to win but Pittsburgh to cover the spread in what could be a lower-scoring game. Flagg and Proctor will lead the way for Duke, while Leggett and Diaz Graham will need big performances to keep Pittsburgh competitive.
Pick: Pittsburgh +14.5, Under 143.5
