Stephen Nover's CBB Free Saturday Play
(NCAAB) Duke vs. North Carolina State,
Point Spread: 3.50 | -108.00 North Carolina State (Home)
Result: Loss
North Carolina State is a mediocre 8-8, including 4-7 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. But if you think the Wolfpack are going through a down season check out Duke. The Blue Devils are below .500 for the first time in 22 years! 
Yes, the Blue Devils have been involved in a lot of games that were decided during the final couple of minutes. But their 7-8, 5-6 ACC records accurately reflect inexperience and lack of defense. Duke ranks 257th in scoring defense, 308th in defensive field goal percentage and 335th in 3-point defense. 
Duke has lost its last four road games. The Blue Devils are 1-8 ATS the last nine times as a road favorite. Yet here they are road chalk again. The name "Duke" sure carries weight with oddsmakers and the marketplace when it comes to college basketball. 
This season - at least up to this point - Duke's freshmen haven't made the impact of previous first-year Blue Devils especially when games have been on the line. 
North Carolina State is fueled by upperclassmen. The Wolfpack have thrived in the role of home underdogs going 8-3-1 ATS the past 12 times. The Wolfpack also have defeated Duke four of the last five times they've hosted the Blue Devils.
Duke's freshmen could have problems in this road setting, too, as North Carolina State is the best in the ACC at forcing turnovers. 
Until the Blue Devils prove themselves on the road they are a fade as away chalk.