The No. 24 Miami Hurricanes (22-8, 11-7 ACC) clash against the No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels (23-9, 12-7 ACC) in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tourney at Barclays Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018, and will air on ESPN.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Miami Hurricanes Free Prediction
In the Tar Heels’ last matchup, they dismantled the Syracuse Orange, 78-59. The Tar Heels knocked down 22 of their 28 free throws (78.6 percent) and held the Orange to an effective field goal percentage of 0.381 (below their season average of 0.475). North Carolina rallied around Theo Pinson, who finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
The Hurricanes edged the Virginia Tech Hokies in their last contest, 69-68. Miami’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Virginia Tech. The Hurricanes had a rate of 18.3 (worse than their season average of 14.6), while the Hokies posted a mark of 20.7 (above their season average of 15.2). With 15 points and seven assists, Chris Lykes had a good performance for Miami.
Miami could put on a ball-control clinic in this contest. Miami ranks 57th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.8 percent), while North Carolina forces the 48th-fewest turnovers (16.5 percent).
Pinson has averaged 16.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.4 steals over the last five games for North Carolina.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Joel Berry II led both teams with 31 points in the first matchup, in which the Tar Heels lost 91-88. Miami had a better turnover percentage (12.9 vs. 16.5). North Carolina, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.3 vs. 31.0).
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Miami Hurricanes Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Miami ranks 80th in three pointers allowed per game (20.3) while North Carolina ranks 291st (25.9).
The Tar Heels rank first in rebounds per game (42.7) while the Hurricanes rank 178th (34.6).
North Carolina ranks fifth in assists per game (18.1) while Miami ranks 155th (13.4).
The Hurricanes rank 75th in blocks per game (3.9) while the Tar Heels rank 200th in blocks allowed per game (4.7).
Miami averages 6.6 steals per game, which ranks 94th in the nation. North Carolina ranks 130th in steals allowed per game (6.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Tar Heels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, down from 9.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hurricanes have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (0.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.0 points per game (6.4 above their season average).
