The Pittsburgh Panthers (8-12, 0-7 ACC) will attempt to put an end to their seven-game losing streak when they meet the North Carolina State Wolfpack (13-7, 3-4 ACC) at Petersen Events Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.
North Carolina State is an 8.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 141 points.
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Pittsburgh Panthers ATS Prediction
The Wolfpack are trying to rebound after their 86-81 loss to the No. 25 Miami (FL) Hurricanes in their last contest. Miami (FL)’s 13.5 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over North Carolina State, who had a rate of 19.0. The Hurricanes’ mark was better than their season average of 15.4, while the Wolfpack’s was above their season average of 14.2. Omer Yurtseven was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 12-for-16 shooting.
In the Panthers’ last matchup, they were blown out by the No. 5 Duke Blue Devils, 81-54. Duke out-rebounded Pittsburgh. The Blue Devils had 13 offensive rebounds and 36 total rebounds, while the Panthers had seven and 26, respectively. With 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting, Parker Stewart led Pittsburgh in scoring.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Pittsburgh offense. Pittsburgh ranks 336th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 22.7 percent), while the pesky defense of North Carolina State forces the 57th-most turnovers in the NCAA (21.9 percent). Additionally, the Wolfpack’s 50th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 113.1) will go head-to-head against the Panthers’ 263rd-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 106.3).
North Carolina State holds records of 13-7 straight up (SU) and 6-7 against the spread (ATS). Of the Wolfpack’s 13 games that accepted bets, eight have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is 8-12 SU and 8-7 ATS. Contrary to North Carolina State, games featuring the Panthers have a tendency to go under the projected point total (86.7 percent).
After the Wolfpack won the only game against the Panthers last season, 79-74, these teams will meet for the first time this year. North Carolina State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.9 vs. 18.8). Pittsburgh, on the other hand, did a terrific job of making free throws (12-17; 70.6 percent).
North Carolina State Wolfpack at Pittsburgh Panthers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – North Carolina State, ATS Winner – Pittsburgh, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
North Carolina State is 1-5 ATS on the road with 4 unders and 2 overs.
Pittsburgh is 3-4 ATS at home with 6 unders and 1 over.
North Carolina State ranks 27th in steals per game (8.0) while Pittsburgh ranks 205th (4.7).
The Wolfpack rank 95th in rebounds per game (37.1) while the Panthers rank 252nd (32.8).
North Carolina State averages 15.6 assists per game, which ranks 60th in the nation. Pittsburgh ranks 157th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
The Wolfpack rank 44th in three pointers allowed per game (19.3) while the Panthers rank 138th (22.0).
North Carolina State averages 3.7 blocks per game, which ranks 89th in the nation. Pittsburgh ranks 132nd in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, North Carolina State is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Pittsburgh is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Wolfpack have been outscored by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. On the season, North Carolina State has defeated opponents by an average of 8.1 points.
During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 54.4 points per game (9.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.4 points per game (4.7 above their season average).
