ACC Tournament Betting Preview: Tuesday

Just like the the teams playing in today’s first round games of the ACC Tournament, I’m ready to put the regular season behind me. I’ve dug a hole, but that doesn’t mean I can’t salvage the season with a good showing this week. As usual, you probably just want to do the opposite of these picks. Like these teams, you don’t just figure it out once March comes around.

Miami Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Panthers
KP: Pittsburgh -6, O/U 138
Vegas: Pittsburgh -3, O/U 136

After playing pretty quickly to start the season, Pittsburgh settled into a middle of the road pace as the season progressed. Miami will let a team score at will, but is pretty deliberate on the offensive side of the ball. Neither of these teams wows me offensively or defensively, but the lean on this game is based on the 2:00 start. These early conference tournament games tend to be lower scoring affairs as both teams are getting used to the gym. Greensboro will be even more cavernous for a COVID game than it is for a usual ACC Tournament opener.

Pick: Under 136

Boston College Eagles vs. Duke Blue Devils
KP: Duke -10, O/U 156
Vegas: Duke -12.5, O/U 151.5

Duke needs a minor miracle to return to the ACC Tournament and they’ll look to get off to a fast start Tuesday. The line is a little high for my taste, but if any team can cover 12.5 in the Tournament it’s Duke over Boston College. Boston College is almost a shoo-in to give up over 75 points as they’ve done so in all but five games this year and Duke is no defensive juggernaut. Both teams play up and down the court, a trend which won’t change today.

Pick: Over 151.5

Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
KP: Notre Dame -9, O/U 143
Vegas: Notre Dame -8, O/U 141

While I knew Notre Dame would show up for their coach against Florida State on Saturday, I wasn’t expecting that. Not only did the Irish cover against the Seminoles, they won the game going away and opened the door for Virginia to win the ACC Regular Season. I think Notre Dame keeps it going. Wake Forest will be better under Steve Forbes, but Notre Dame is still a much better team at this point.

Pick: Notre Dame -8

Season Total: ATS (15-21-1), O/U (6-11-1), Total (21-32-1)