Offense meets defense when the Louisville Cardinals (10-5, 1-1 ACC) head to North Carolina to take on the No. 12 Tar Heels (12-3, 2-0 ACC). The game can be seen on ESPN at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Louisville Cardinals at North Carolina Tar Heels Free Prediction
In the Cardinals’ last game, they were topped by the Pittsburgh Panthers, 89-86. Pittsburgh’s 13.7 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Louisville, who had a rate of 18.7. The Panthers’ mark was better than their season average of 17.3, while the Cardinals’ was above their season average of 15.0. Dwayne Sutton played well for Louisville, contributing 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Tar Heels defeated the No. 15 North Carolina State Wolfpack in their last matchup, 90-82. The Tar Heels made 22 of their 26 free throws (84.6 percent) and held the Wolfpack to an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.3 (below their season average of 39.2). With 15 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, Cameron Johnson had a good game for North Carolina.
This meeting figures to be a shootout as two of the NCAA’s top offenses clash. North Carolina currently ranks 39th with 114.3 points per 100 possessions and Louisville is 47th (113.6).
After the Tar Heels won the lone game against the Cardinals last season, 93-76, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Tar Heels had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (44.7 vs. 28.9) and had a better turnover percentage (12.3 vs. 14.3).
Louisville Cardinals vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – Louisville, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Louisville ranks 83rd in three pointers allowed per game (21.0) while North Carolina ranks 227th (26.1).
The Tar Heels rank third in assists per game (19.7) while the Cardinals rank 135th (13.3).
Louisville ranks 43rd in steals allowed per game (5.5) while North Carolina ranks 151st (7.5).
The Tar Heels rank first in rebounds per game (45.2) while the Cardinals rank 71st (38.1).
Louisville ranks 79th in blocks per game (3.5) while North Carolina ranks 146th in blocks allowed per game (4.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Cardinals’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, down from 9.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tar Heels have scored an average of 81.2 points per game (8.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (5.0 below their season average).
+++++
