Duke Edges Virginia in Close Contest
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 8:40 PM ET · Spectrum Center
Duke Blue Devils 74, Virginia Cavaliers 70, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Virginia Cavaliers vs Duke Blue Devils?
Duke Blue Devils beat Virginia Cavaliers 74-70 at Spectrum Center on March 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Virginia Cavaliers vs Duke Blue Devils?
Duke Blue Devils were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -305 (about 75% implied). The favorite won.
The Duke Blue Devils secured a hard-fought victory against the Virginia Cavaliers, finishing the game with a score of 74-70. This matchup was particularly notable as it showcased two of the top teams in college basketball, with Duke entering the game with a home record of 32-2 and Virginia boasting an impressive away record of 29-5. The game took place at the Spectrum Center, adding an extra layer of excitement for the fans in attendance.
Duke came into this contest riding a ten-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Clemson Tigers 73-61 and the Florida State Seminoles 80-79. Over their last ten games, they maintained a perfect record of 10-0, averaging 80.5 points scored while allowing only 60.7 points per game. This strong performance was complemented by their impressive home record of 7-0 during this stretch.
On the other hand, Virginia had also been in good form, winning nine of their last ten games, with their only loss coming against Duke earlier in the season. They entered the game on a four-game winning streak, having recently triumphed over the Miami Hurricanes 84-62. Virginia's scoring average over their last ten games was 76.8, with an average of 69.1 points allowed. Their away record stood at 3-1 in this recent stretch, demonstrating their capability to compete on the road.
In their previous two meetings this season, Duke had emerged victorious both times, winning decisively 77-51 on February 28 and 80-62 on February 18, 2025. This history likely contributed to the confidence Duke displayed in this matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams were expected to field their strongest lineups, which is crucial in high-stakes games like this.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Duke favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 140.5. The odds indicated a strong belief in Duke's ability to win, with a moneyline of -305 for the Blue Devils and +245 for the Cavaliers, reflecting the perceived difference in strength between the two teams.
The game was played under typical March basketball conditions, with both teams looking to assert their dominance early. As the match progressed, it became clear that both sides were prepared to battle for every point. The scoring plays highlighted the intensity of the game, with key moments including Isaiah Evans making crucial free throws in the second half and Ugonna Onyenso contributing with a vital tip-in layup.
As the game reached its climax, Duke maintained a narrow lead, thanks to strategic free throws that extended their advantage. The final moments saw Virginia attempting to close the gap, but Duke's defense held firm, securing their victory.
Overall, this matchup between Duke and Virginia not only lived up to expectations but also showcased the high level of competition in college basketball. Fans witnessed a thrilling contest that highlighted the strengths of both teams, with Duke ultimately emerging victorious in a tightly contested game.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DUKE -6.5 | 140.5 o -105 / u -115 | Virginia Cavaliers +245 · Duke Blue Devils -305 |
Leaders
- PointsIsaiah Evans20Duke Blue Devils
- AssistsCameron Boozer8Duke Blue Devils
- ReboundsCameron Boozer8Duke Blue Devils
- PointsMalik Thomas18Virginia Cavaliers
- AssistsChance Mallory4Virginia Cavaliers
- ReboundsUgonna Onyenso8Virginia Cavaliers
Recent form
Duke Blue Devils
Last 10: 10-0Streak W1080.5 scored · 60.7 allowed per game7-0 at home
- W73-61vs Clemson TigersMar 14
- W80-79vs Florida State SeminolesMar 12
- W76-61vs North Carolina Tar HeelsMar 7
- W93-64at NC State WolfpackMar 3
- W77-51vs Virginia CavaliersFeb 28
- W100-56at Notre Dame Fighting IrishFeb 25
- W68-63vs Michigan WolverinesFeb 21
- W101-64vs Syracuse OrangeFeb 17
- W67-54vs Clemson TigersFeb 14
- W70-54at Pittsburgh PanthersFeb 11
Virginia Cavaliers
Last 10: 9-1Streak W476.8 scored · 69.1 allowed per game3-1 away
- W84-62vs Miami HurricanesMar 13
- W81-74vs NC State WolfpackMar 12
- W76-72vs Virginia Tech HokiesMar 7
- W75-70vs Wake Forest Demon DeaconsMar 4
- L51-77at Duke Blue DevilsFeb 28
- W90-61vs NC State WolfpackFeb 25
- W86-83vs Miami HurricanesFeb 21
- W94-68at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsFeb 19
- W70-66at Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 15
- W61-58at Florida State SeminolesFeb 11
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Virginia Cavaliers | Duke Blue Devils |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-54 | 25-65 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 8-24 | 8-25 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 32 |
| Free throws | 14-16 | 16-20 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 20 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 21 |
| Assists | 9 | 15 |
| Steals | 3 | 6 |
| Blocks | 12 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 34 |
| Fouls | 18 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 16 | 16 |
| Time in front | 29 | 57 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half39-41Sam Lewis makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dallin Hall assists)
- 2nd Half41-41Malik Thomas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half42-41Malik Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-41Malik Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-44Isaiah Evans makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cameron Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half46-44Sam Lewis makes 26-foot three point jumper (Johann Grunloh assists)
- 2nd Half46-45Cameron Boozer makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-45Chance Mallory makes 24-foot three point jumper (Sam Lewis assists)
- 2nd Half49-48Cameron Boozer makes 27-foot three point jumper (Cayden Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half49-49Nikolas Khamenia makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-50Nikolas Khamenia makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-50Ugonna Onyenso makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-50Ugonna Onyenso makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-52Darren Harris makes driving layup (Cameron Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half51-53Darren Harris makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half53-53Sam Lewis makes driving layup (Dallin Hall assists)
- 2nd Half53-56Nikolas Khamenia makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cayden Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half55-56Sam Lewis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-58Dame Sarr makes layup (Cameron Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half58-58Sam Lewis makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot (Chance Mallory assists)
- 2nd Half59-58Chance Mallory makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-58Chance Mallory makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-60Cameron Boozer makes layup
- 2nd Half60-61Cameron Boozer makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half60-62Cameron Boozer makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-63Cameron Boozer makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-63Malik Thomas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-63Malik Thomas makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-66Isaiah Evans makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cameron Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half65-66Malik Thomas makes 13-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half66-66Thijs De Ridder makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-68Cayden Boozer makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half66-69Isaiah Evans makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-70Isaiah Evans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-70Ugonna Onyenso makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half68-71Isaiah Evans makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-72Isaiah Evans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-72Malik Thomas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-73Cameron Boozer makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-74Cameron Boozer makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Duke Blue Devils, below favours Virginia Cavaliers.
Venue
- Spectrum CenterCharlotte, NC
- Attendance17781
- OfficialsRon Groover, Bert Smith, Roger Ayers
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