Expect a high-scoring game when the 23rd-ranked North Carolina State Wolfpack (16-6, 4-5 ACC) clash against the ninth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels (17-4, 7-1 ACC) at Dean E. Smith Center. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Tar Heels beat the 15th-ranked Louisville Cardinals, 79-69, while the Wolfpack were blown out by the 12th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies, 47-24.
North Carolina played a nearly flawless game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 41.9 (above their season average of 35.2) and a free throw rate of 0.217 (matching their season average). Louisville had marks of 18.4 and 0.113, respectively, for those same stats. North Carolina State, on the other hand, forced Virginia Tech into a turnover percentage of 19.1 (above their season average of 15.7). North Carolina’s Luke Maye had a good game, recording 20 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Wyatt Walker fueled North Carolina State with three points and 12 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Cameron Johnson led the Tar Heels to a 90-82 victory. He registered a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. North Carolina made good use of their 26 trips to the free throw line, making 22 of them (84.6 percent). North Carolina State, meanwhile, was 12-17 (70.6 percent).
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of North Carolina takes on the stingy defense of North Carolina State. The Tar Heels rank 32nd in offensive efficiency, while the Wolfpack are 34th in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Wolfpack rank 12th in offensive rebounding percentage (37.1 percent), while the Tar Heels rank 14th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.8 percent).
North Carolina State vs. North Carolina Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Over
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 70th in blocks per game (3.8) while 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).
- 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).
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).
