Offense meets defense when the No. 23 North Carolina State Wolfpack (16-6, 4-5 ACC) travel to North Carolina to take on the No. 9 Tar Heels (17-4, 7-1 ACC). The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
North Carolina State Wolfpack at North Carolina Tar Heels Free Prediction
The last time the Wolfpack played, they were blown out by the No. 12 Virginia Tech Hokies, 47-24. Virginia Tech’s free throw rate was their largest strength over North Carolina State. The Hokies had a rate of 0.178 (below their season average of 0.225), while the Wolfpack posted a mark of 0.074 (below their season average of 0.203). Wyatt Walker had a good performance for North Carolina State, recording three points and 12 rebounds.
The Tar Heels beat the No. 15 Louisville Cardinals in their last matchup, 79-69. The Tar Heels, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.2, had a ridiculous mark of 41.9, while the Cardinals had a free throw rate of 0.113 (below their season average of 0.325). Luke Maye was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 7-for-18 shooting from the field.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Cameron Johnson recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds and five assists and the Tar Heels topped the Wolfpack 90-82. The Tar Heels knocked down 22 of their 26 free throws (84.6 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.8 vs. 21.3).
This battle pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. North Carolina currently ranks 32nd in offensive efficiency and North Carolina State ranks 34th in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Wolfpack, who rank 12th in offensive rebounding percentage (37.1 percent), will face a difficult challenge against the Tar Heels, who rank 14th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.8 percent).
North Carolina State vs. North Carolina ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
North Carolina State ranks 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (18.8) while North Carolina ranks 250th (25.7).
The Wolfpack rank 38th in assists per game (15.8) while the Tar Heels rank 190th in assists allowed per game (14.2).
North Carolina State ranks 58th in steals per game (7.5) while North Carolina ranks 163rd in steals allowed per game (7.1).
The Wolfpack average 3.8 blocks per game, which ranks 70th in the NCAA. The Tar Heels rank 165th in blocks allowed per game (4.5).
North Carolina ranks first in rebounds per game (43.7) while North Carolina State ranks 58th in rebounds allowed per game (32.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Wolfpack have been outscored by an average of 5.0 points in their last five games. For the season, North Carolina State has defeated opponents by an average of 13.4 points.
During their last five games, the Tar Heels have scored an average of 83.8 points per game (3.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.0 points per game (2.6 below their season average).
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