Best College Basketball Bets for Tuesday, February 24: Duke Heavy Favorite in First Game As No. 1

• Duke has dominated the all-time series vs. Notre Dame, 32-8

• Notre Dame last beat Duke in South Bend on March 13, 2015 (yes, it was a Friday; 74-64)

• Baylor and Arizona have split their all-time series 2-2, with the Bears winning the first two and the Wildcats the latest

After most of the top 25 in the AP Poll took Sunday and Monday off, a good chunk of it is in action tonight, including the new top four (Duke, Arizona, Michigan, and Iowa State). It is safe to say we have plenty of games to choose from for today’s Best College Basketball Bets.

Since the option is available, I’m going to get today's Best Bets from the games featuring the two best teams in college basketball,  the Duke Blue Devils and Arizona Wildcats.

No. 1 Duke Blue Devils vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Odds & Pick

• Spread: Duke -18.5 (-102) | Notre Dame +18.5 (-120)     

• Moneyline: Duke -4000 | Notre Dame +1400

• Total: OVER 139.5 (-115) | UNDER 139.5 (-105)

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With a win over then-No. 1 Michigan over the weekend and No. 2 Houston losing on the same day, it was inevitable that the Duke Blue Devils would ascend to the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll. But will they suffer the same fate as Michigan and lose the same week they ascend to No. 1?

Probably not. But if they do, it will not be Notre Dame that knocks them off their pedestal.

Duke is very efficient on offense and averages 82.1 points per game with the best player in the nation, Cameron Boozer, leading the way. However, while they’re strong on offense, they are among the best in the nation on defense (No. 3, 63.1 points per game allowed).

As for Notre Dame, they are fighting way above their weight class. They are 12-15 this season and 3-11 in ACC play, with losses in six of their last seven. If they are going to have a chance, they need to disrupt Duke’s offensive flow, force turnovers, and heat up from the perimeter.

All things Notre Dame have not been good at doing this season.

• My Pick: Duke -18.5 at -102 via FanDuel

After watching Duke handle Michigan, I’m a little surprised the spread isn’t bigger. Duke outclasses Notre Dame in every way. They’ll cover.

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No. 2 Arizona Wildcats vs. Baylor Bears Odds & Pick

• Spread: Arizona -10.5 (-102) | Baylor -10.5 (-120)

• Moneyline: Arizona -630 | Baylor +450

• Total: OVER 153.5 (-110) | UNDER 153.5 (-110)

Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook

Arizona certainly didn’t waste any time making a move. The Wildcats responded to losing the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll with a win over No. 23, BYU (75-68). But their real move came over the weekend when they beat No. 2 Houston 73-66 on the road.

They are one of the best all-around teams in the country, capable of running up the score if need be or clamping down and winning low-scoring games, too.

As for Baylor, the Bears have struggled with consistency this season. They’ve shown spurts of potential at times, but they’ve been few and far between. Over the weekend, they brought a four-game losing streak to an end with a 73-68 win over Arizona State.

The Bears can put some points on the board, averaging around 81 points per game, but they struggle trying to keep opponents from scoring more.

• My Pick: Arizona -10.5 at FanDuel

I’m not sure why the spread wasn’t bigger in this game, too. Baylor is a team that plays decently on offense and poorly on defense. Arizona is a good offensive team and one of the best defensively. 

The Wildcats are consistent and have the depth to maintain a certain level of play even when the starters sit. Baylor can’t keep up with these guys and can’t slow them down. Homecourt advantage will not help Baylor at all, as the Wildcats will easily cover this spread.

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