The No. 4 Gonzaga Bulldogs (9-1) visit No. 12 North Carolina to play the Tar Heels (7-2) in a game that has the potential to be high-scoring. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018, and will air on ESPN2.
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. North Carolina Tar Heels ATS Prediction
In the Bulldogs’ last outing, they blew out the Idaho State Bengals, 120-79. The Bulldogs had a much better free throw rate (0.429 vs. 0.129) and had a much better turnover percentage (7.5 vs. 16.5). With 33 points on 13-for-18 shooting, Rui Hachimura was the game’s high scorer.
The Tar Heels were victorious over the Wofford Terriers in their last outing, 78-67. The Tar Heels had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.7 vs. 26.5) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.568 vs. 0.452). Luke Maye was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the field.
Brandon Clarke and Hachimura have played well over the last five games for Gonzaga. Clarke has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Hachimura has put up 0 points a game during that span.
This contest figures to be a high-scoring affair as two of the NCAA’s best offenses face off. Dating back to last season, North Carolina ranks eighth with 115.1 points per 100 possessions and Gonzaga is fourth (121.2).
Gonzaga vs. North Carolina Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Gonzaga, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Gonzaga averages 23.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 94th in the NCAA. North Carolina ranks 249th in three pointers allowed per game (25.5).
The Bulldogs rank 30th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Tar Heels rank 149th (6.3).
Gonzaga ranks 41st in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while North Carolina ranks 148th (4.6).
The Bulldogs rank 36th in assists per game (16.1) while the Tar Heels rank 90th in assists allowed per game (14.2).
North Carolina ranks second in rebounds per game (43.1) while Gonzaga ranks 41st in rebounds allowed per game (31.9).
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