The West region’s No. 2 seed, Duke, will kick off its run at a sixth and final national championship under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski when it plays Cal State Fullerton at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, March 18.
The Blue Devils are making their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2019 but are coming off an 82-67 loss to Virginia Tech in the ACC Tournament championship game on Saturday. Duke has now lost two of its last four games by double digits, including a 13-point loss to UNC to close out the regular season.
Cal State Fullerton — an automatic qualifier after winning the Big West tournament — is making its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2018. The Titans are coming off four straight wins, including a thrilling 72-71 victory over Long Beach State in the Big West title game.
Duke vs Cal State Fullerton Odds
Duke vs Cal State Fullerton CBB gameday odds are current as of 11 a.m. ET on Monday, March 14, and courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Cal State Fullerton (+1400) @ Duke (-4000)
- ATS: Cal State Fullerton +18.5 (-110) @ Duke -18.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 143.5 (-110) / Under 143.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Duke 81, Cal State Fullerton 62.5
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Duke vs Cal State Fullerton Prediction
The Blue Devils will look to bounce back after being upset by the Hokies in what would’ve been Krzyzewski’s 16th ACC tournament championship. They’ll be playing close to home in Greenville, South Carolina — just a 4 and 1/2 hour drive from Duke’s campus — and Coach K will undoubtedly have them laser-focused after two unexpected losses down the stretch.
It also helps that Duke has superior players. Freshman forward Paolo Banchero, who led the team in points and rebounds per game, is the Blue Devils’ main offensive threat, but junior point guard Wendell Moore Jr. is an offensive catalyst as well.
History may be a guide here, as Cal State Fullerton was eliminated in the first round by 15+ points in their two most recent NCAA tournament appearances as a 15-seed in 2018 and a 14-seed in 2008.
Senior forward E.J. Anosike is Fullerton’s best player, averaging more than 16 points and eight rebounds per game, but he and the Titans will have a hard time limiting Duke’s balanced offense, which ranked ninth in the country in scoring at 80.2 points per game.
Duke vs Cal State Fullerton Score Pick
Duke 90, Cal State Fullerton 65
The Blue Devils finished with the fifth-best offensive rating in the nation as well as the country’s ninth-best point differential (13.1 PPG), setting up a potential blowout here.
Fullerton allowed just 66.2 points per game, but will be hard-pressed to limit Duke’s 3-point shooters. The Blue Devils rank 40th in three-point percentage at 36.8% and can put up points in a hurry, so don’t be surprised if we end up with a lopsided score.
Duke vs Cal State Fullerton Best Bets
Duke -10.5 First Half Spread (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Expect a fast start from the Blue Devils for our CBB bet of the day on the heels of a disappointing loss and given that any of these games could be Krzyzewski’s last as their head coach. The pro-Duke crowd in Greenville should spur its team on, especially with Fullerton playing more than 2,300 miles from home.
