It will be a matchup of two teams headed in opposite directions when the undefeated No. 7 North Carolina Tar Heels (3-0) take on the winless Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (0-3) at Dean E. Smith Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, November 16, 2018, and will air on ACC Network.
Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Free Prediction
The Golden Eagles are trying to rebound after their 97-83 loss to the Savannah State Tigers in their last matchup. Getting to the free throw line was one of Savannah State’s largest strengths. They made 27 trips to the line, while Tennessee Tech went just nine times. Tennessee Tech’s Courtney Alexander II had a solid outing, contributing 12 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
In the Tar Heels’ previous outing, they easily got past the Stanford Cardinal, 90-72. The Tar Heels had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.1 vs. 25.6) and had a better turnover percentage (13.0 vs. 16.9). With 16 points and eight rebounds, North Carolina’s Luke Maye had a solid game.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball protection could play a key role in this showdown. Dating back to last season, North Carolina has committed the 56th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.8 percent), while the gambling defense of Tennessee Tech has forced the 58th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 20.9 percent).
Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at North Carolina Tar Heels ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
North Carolina averages 42.9 rebounds per game, which ranks first in the nation. Tennessee Tech ranks 260th in rebounds allowed per game (37.2).
The Tar Heels average 18.3 assists per game, which ranks fourth in the nation. The Golden Eagles rank 201st in assists allowed per game (13.9).
Tennessee Tech ranks 36th in steals per game (7.6) while North Carolina ranks 178th (5.9).
The Tar Heels rank 69th in blocks per game (4.1) while the Golden Eagles rank 201st in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
Tennessee Tech averages 21.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 190th in the nation. North Carolina ranks 298th in three pointers allowed per game (25.6).
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