Duke basketball vs Vermont prediction: March Madness, NCAA pick is in

Duke basketball is a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament’s South Region, which features No. 1 Houston, No. 2 Marquette and No. 3 Kentucky. 

But before the Blue Devils (24-8) look ahead, they have to take care of business against No. 13 Vermont (28-6) on Friday in Brooklyn. 

If Duke wins, it’ll face No. 5 Wisconsin (22-12) or No. 12 James Madison (31-3) on Sunday for a spot in the Sweet 16, which will be played in Dallas. The Blue Devils beat the Badgers in the 2015 NCAA championship game.

MARCH MADNESS: Duke basketball’s March Madness opponent is Vermont to open 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket

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Here are some things to know and a score prediction for Duke’s opening game of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. 

Duke basketball’s Jeremy Roach as steady senior 

Duke senior captain Jeremy Roach has to be the leader for the Blue Devils if a deep run is in the cards. Roach, who had 23 points in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament, has experienced the thrill of a Final Four run. After scoring five points in the ACC Tournament loss to NC State, expect Roach to bounce back in Brooklyn.

Kyle Filipowski as a March Madness villain for Blue Devils? 

A court-storming injury and a tripping incident were among the hot topics in the final stretch of the regular season for Kyle Filipowski. But Duke’s 7-footer was one of the few bright spots in the Blue Devils’ one-and-done appearance at the ACC Tournament. He’s averaged 25.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in the last two games. If he carries that production into the Big Dance, Filipowski can thrive as Duke’s latest March Madness villain. 

TJ Long, Vermont basketball won’t be a pushover

The Catamounts have two NCAA Tournament wins and one of them came as a No. 13 seed against a team that’s currently in the ACC. In one of the top moments in the 2005 NCAA Tournament, Vermont took down Syracuse in overtime. This year’s group, known for its ability to take care of the ball and defend, enters the Big Dance on a 10-game winning streak. TJ Long, a 36% 3-point shooter, has averaged 14.3 points in the last three games. 

Duke vs Vermont prediction in March Madness

Duke 76, Vermont 61: The Blue Devils haven’t inspired much confidence with their effort of late, but this is the opportunity for a reset. Kyle Filipowski will get them through to the Round of 32.

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.