A major early-season college basketball matchup is on tap as the Texas Longhorns travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, to face the #6 ranked Duke Blue Devils in a neutral-site showdown. This primetime game serves as the season opener for both programs.
Game Details:
- Date: Monday, November 4
- Time: 8:45 PM EST
- Location: Charlotte, N.C.
- Spread: Duke -8.5
- Total: 153.5
The Matchup
The Duke Blue Devils enter the season with high expectations, as evidenced by their No. 6 national ranking. Playing in Charlotte gives them a distinct geographical advantage, and they will be looking to make an early statement against a Big 12 opponent.
The Texas Longhorns are looking to build on a season that saw them finish 19-16 and earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament’s First Four. Facing a top-10 opponent right out of the gate is a massive test for the Longhorns and a prime opportunity to prove they can compete on the national stage this year.
Based on the provided search results, there is no current or relevant injury information available for either the Texas or Duke men’s basketball teams. The search results primarily contained football injury reports with future dates or outdated basketball news.
Prediction
Duke comes in as a heavy 8.5-point favorite, and for good reason. The Blue Devils are a top-10 team playing in a friendly environment. The high game total of 153.5 suggests that oddsmakers expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair, a style that typically favors a talented and athletic team like Duke.
For Texas to cover the spread, they will need to come out firing on all cylinders and control the tempo. However, in a season opener, chemistry and execution can be inconsistent. Duke’s superior talent and the momentum from a pro-Blue Devil crowd in Charlotte should be enough to overwhelm the Longhorns. While Texas will be eager to prove themselves, a double-digit victory for Duke is the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Duke 82, Texas 70
The Pick: Duke -8.5
Total: Under 153.5
Sources:
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QB Arch Manning (concussion) no longer listed on Texas’ injury report