Duke vs Southern Methodist Picks and Prediction – 1/4/2025

The Duke Blue Devils (11-2, 3-0 ACC) face off against the SMU Mustangs (11-2, 2-0 ACC) in a highly anticipated matchup at Moody Coliseum. Both teams enter the contest riding seven-game winning streaks, with Duke coming off an 88-65 victory over Virginia Tech and SMU defeating Longwood 98-82. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Duke's offense has been impressive, averaging 79.6 points per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Cooper Flagg leads the Blue Devils with 16.9 points per game on 43.8% shooting and is also the top rebounder at 8.2 per contest. Flagg’s ability to score and control the boards gives Duke a versatile weapon. The team shares the ball well, averaging 16.4 assists per game, and hits 76.1% of free throws, making them dangerous in close games. The 8.2 steals per game also point to an aggressive defense capable of forcing turnovers.

Defensively, Duke has held opponents to just 59.0 points per game, showcasing dominance on that end of the floor. The Blue Devils block 3.6 shots per contest, led by Flagg’s 1.2 per game, and have been adept at limiting second-chance opportunities with 39.6 rebounds per game. 

SMU counters with an explosive offense, averaging 87.2 points per game while shooting 49.6% from the field. Boopie Miller has been the focal point, posting 15.4 points per game on 42.1% shooting while leading the team in assists at 5.9 per contest. Matt Cross complements Miller with 8.2 rebounds per game, giving SMU a strong inside presence. The Mustangs also share the ball effectively, averaging 16.5 assists, and shoot 82.3% from the free-throw line, making them tough to stop late in games.

Defensively, SMU has allowed 70.8 points per game, which is higher than Duke’s average but manageable due to a high-scoring offense. The Mustangs block 4.1 shots and force 7.8 steals per game, creating extra possessions for the offense. B.J. Edwards leads with 2.4 steals, adding pressure to opposing backcourts. 

Duke's balance between offense and defense gives them the edge in this matchup. The ability to dominate on the boards, limit turnovers, and force mistakes plays well against SMU's high-powered offense. With Cooper Flagg’s scoring and rebounding, combined with Duke’s defense, the Blue Devils add another win. Final Score Prediction: Duke Blue Devils win and cover 88-74.