The No. 8 North Carolina Tar Heels (18-4, 8-1 ACC) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they challenge the Miami Hurricanes (10-12, 2-8 ACC) at Dean E. Smith Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Miami Hurricanes at North Carolina Tar Heels Free Prediction
In the Hurricanes’ last matchup, they defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 62-47. The Hurricanes had 10 steals and held the Fighting Irish to an effective field goal percentage of 0.357 (below their season average of 0.482). Miami was lifted by Anthony Lawrence II, who contributed 11 points and 12 rebounds.
The Tar Heels beat the No. 23 North Carolina State Wolfpack in their last outing, 113-96. The Tar Heels knocked down 31 of their 37 free throws (83.8 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 51.9 (above their season average of 35.5). Luke Maye was the game’s leading scorer with 31 points on 10-for-15 shooting from the field.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Coby White had 15 points, eight assists and five rebounds and the Tar Heels defeated the Hurricanes 85-76. North Carolina out-rebounded Miami. The Tar Heels had 13 offensive rebounds and 38 total rebounds, while the Hurricanes had six and 23, respectively.
The high-powered offense of North Carolina will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Miami. The Tar Heels rank 22nd in offensive efficiency, while the Hurricanes are 170th in defensive efficiency. The Tar Heels should have the advantage on that end of the court. Additionally, put-back points could be few and far between for the Hurricanes. They rank 270th in the country in offensive rebounding percentage at 25.7 percent, while the Tar Heels are 21st-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 76.3 percent).
Miami at North Carolina Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
North Carolina ranks first in rebounds per game (43.5) while Miami ranks 231st (33.4).
The Tar Heels rank third in assists per game (19.9) while the Hurricanes rank 202nd in assists allowed per game (14.5).
Miami ranks 78th in three pointers attempted per game (24.8) while North Carolina ranks 241st in three pointers allowed per game (25.3).
The Hurricanes rank 107th in blocks per game (3.3) while the Tar Heels rank 171st in blocks allowed per game (4.5).
Miami ranks 102nd in steals per game (6.5) while North Carolina ranks 165th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Hurricanes have been outscored by an average of 7.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Miami has defeated opponents by an average of 2.5 points.
During their last five games, the Tar Heels have scored an average of 91.4 points per game (3.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.4 points per game (1.7 above their season average).
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