Offense meets defense when the No. 15 North Carolina Tar Heels (15-4, 4-2 ACC) welcome the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-8, 3-2 ACC) to Dean E. Smith Center. The game begins at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. North Carolina Tar Heels ATS Prediction
The last time the Yellow Jackets played, they were defeated by the No. 2 Virginia Cavaliers, 64-48. Virginia’s 12.7 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Georgia Tech, who had a rate of 27.2. The Cavaliers’ mark was better than their season average of 13.4, while the Yellow Jackets’ was above their season average of 16.5. Tadric Jackson was Georgia Tech’s high scorer with 14 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
The Tar Heels beat the No. 20 Clemson Tigers in their last matchup, 87-79. The Tar Heels made 20 of their 24 free throws (83.3 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.657 (above their season average of 0.520). With 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists, North Carolina’s Theo Pinson played well.
This matchup pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as North Carolina ranks 44th in offensive efficiency and Georgia Tech is 52nd in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Yellow Jackets, who rank 54th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.282), will face a difficult challenge against the Tar Heels, who rank fifth in opponents’ FTA rate (0.162).
After the Yellow Jackets won the sole contest against the Tar Heels last season, 75-63, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Yellow Jackets knocked down 28 of their 33 free throws (84.8 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.443 vs. 0.368).
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Georgia Tech, ATS Winner – Georgia Tech, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Georgia Tech ranks 52nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.6) while North Carolina ranks 275th (27.2).
The Tar Heels rank 19th in assists per game (17.6) while the Yellow Jackets rank 198th (12.4).
North Carolina ranks second in rebounds per game (43.4) while Georgia Tech ranks 177th (34.8).
The Yellow Jackets average 5.4 blocks per game, which ranks 19th in the nation. The Tar Heels rank 162nd in blocks allowed per game (4.8).
Georgia Tech averages 7.2 steals per game, which ranks 60th in the NCAA. North Carolina ranks 79th in steals allowed per game (5.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Yellow Jackets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.0, up from 2.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tar Heels have scored an average of 76.2 points per game (6.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.0 points per game (0.5 below their season average).
