Offense meets defense when the No. 15 North Carolina State Wolfpack (13-2, 1-1 ACC) welcome the Pittsburgh Panthers (11-4, 1-1 ACC) to PNC Arena. The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019, and will air on ACC Network.
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack Free Prediction
The last time the Panthers played, they beat the Louisville Cardinals, 89-86. The Panthers forced 18 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.598 (above their season average of 0.509). Pittsburgh received a boost from Trey McGowens, who was the top scorer from either team with 33 points on 12-for-19 shooting.
The Wolfpack fell to the No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels in their last matchup, 90-82. North Carolina made good use of their 26 trips to the charity stripe, making 22 of them (84.6 percent). North Carolina State, on the other hand, was 12-17 (70.6 percent). North Carolina State’s Torin Dorn recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds in the contest.
After the Wolfpack won the lone game against the Panthers last season, 72-68, these teams will meet for the first time this year. North Carolina State out-rebounded Pittsburgh. The Wolfpack had 17 offensive rebounds and 42 total rebounds, while the Panthers had six and 34, respectively.
This showdown pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. North Carolina State currently ranks seventh in offensive efficiency and Pittsburgh ranks 15th in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Panthers rank 13th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.311), while the Wolfpack rank 256th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.253).
Pittsburgh Panthers at North Carolina State Wolfpack Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – North Carolina State, ATS Winner – North Carolina State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
North Carolina State ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (31.1) while Pittsburgh ranks 188th (37.0).
The Wolfpack rank 49th in three pointers allowed per game (20.0) while the Panthers rank 176th (23.8).
North Carolina State ranks 11th in assists per game (18.0) while Pittsburgh ranks 129th (13.5).
The Wolfpack average 4.1 blocks per game, which ranks 59th in the country. The Panthers rank 148th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
North Carolina State averages 8.1 steals per game, which ranks 41st in the nation. Pittsburgh ranks 117th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Panthers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.8, up from 11.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolfpack have scored an average of 88.4 points per game (0.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.6 points per game (8.0 above their season average).
+++++
