The North Carolina State Wolfpack (8-1) clash with the Penn State Nittany Lions (5-4) at Boardwalk Hall. The game will air on ESPNU at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Penn State Nittany Lions ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Nittany Lions defeated the North Florida Ospreys 87-72, while the Wolfpack won big over the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers 105-55.
North Carolina State played a flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 8.8 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0. For those same stats, Mount St. Mary’s was 20.9 and 25.0, respectively. The Nittany Lions, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.439 vs. 0.203) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.544 vs. 0.461). Lamar Stevens led the way for Penn State, recording 22 points and 10 rebounds. North Carolina State rallied around Torin Dorn, who recorded 28 points and nine rebounds.
The Wolfpack won the sole game between these two teams last year, 85-78. Getting to the free throw line was one of North Carolina State’s largest advantages. They had 37 free throw attempts, while Penn State had 23.
Penn State might have a difficult time finding the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the nation’s best defenses. North Carolina State ranks fourth in defensive efficiency, while the Nittany Lions rank 256th in offensive efficiency dating back to last season. Furthermore, the Wolfpack have committed the 57th-fewest errors in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while the gambling defense of the Nittany Lions has caused the 50th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 20.2 percent).
North Carolina State vs. Penn State Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Penn State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- North Carolina State ranks 10th in assists per game (16.5) while Penn State ranks 217th (13.5).
- The Wolfpack are 29th in the country with 19.0 three pointers allowed per game while the Nittany Lions are 59th with 19.0 three pointers allowed per game.
- The Wolfpack rank 25th in steals per game (7.6) while the Nittany Lions rank 158th in steals allowed per game (5.8).
- North Carolina State ranks 14th in rebounds allowed per game (34.1) while Penn State ranks 133rd (33.3).
