The Davidson Wildcats (9-3) head to No. 14 North Carolina to take on the Tar Heels (8-3) in a game that has the potential to be high-scoring. The game will air on ESPN2 at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 29, 2018.
Davidson Wildcats at North Carolina Tar Heels ATS Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last matchup, they blew out the Cleveland State Vikings, 83-63. Davidson’s rebounding was their largest strength. The Wildcats had more offensive rebounds (21 vs. two), defensive rebounds (26 vs. 23) and total rebounds (47 vs. 25). With 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting, Kellan Grady was the top scorer from either team.
The Tar Heels were victorious over the Wofford Terriers in their last outing, 78-67. The Tar Heels had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.7 vs. 26.5) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.568 vs. 0.452). Luke Maye was the game’s high scorer with 24 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the field.
After the Tar Heels won the sole game against the Wildcats last season, 85-75, these teams will clash for the first time this year. North Carolina out-rebounded Davidson. The Tar Heels had 19 offensive rebounds and 54 total rebounds, while the Wildcats had four and 23, respectively.
Cameron Johnson and Maye have played at a high level over the last five games for North Carolina. Johnson has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Maye has put up 0 points a game during that span.
This matchup figures to be a shootout as a pair of the NCAA’s top offenses go head-to-head. North Carolina ranks 21st with 116.7 points per 100 possessions and Davidson is 36th (111.2). Also, second chance points could be tough to come by for the Wildcats. They rank 319th in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 26.1 percent, while the Tar Heels are 40th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 75.9 percent).
Davidson Wildcats vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – Davidson, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
North Carolina ranks fourth in rebounds per game (44.5) while Davidson ranks 205th (36.4).
The Wildcats average 28.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 28th in the country. The Tar Heels rank 208th in three pointers allowed per game (25.6).
Davidson ranks 18th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while North Carolina ranks 147th (7.7).
The Wildcats average 15.3 assists per game, which ranks 36th in the nation. The Tar Heels rank 149th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
Davidson ranks 18th in blocks allowed per game (1.3) while North Carolina ranks 123rd (4.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 8.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tar Heels have scored an average of 98.6 points per game (6.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.0 points per game (7.7 below their season average).
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