Both teams will try to prolong their winning streaks as the No. 18 North Carolina State Wolfpack (12-1) meet the Miami Hurricanes (8-4) at Watsco Center. The Wolfpack have won six consecutive games, while the Hurricanes have won their last five games. The game will air on ESPNU at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Miami Hurricanes Free Prediction
In the Wolfpack’s last game, they dismantled the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers, 105-55. The Wolfpack had a much better turnover percentage (8.8 vs. 20.9) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (50.0 vs. 25.0). North Carolina State rallied around Torin Dorn, who was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 10-for-18 shooting.
Miami had no trouble getting past the Lehigh Mountain Hawks in their last outing, 83-62. The Hurricanes had a much better free throw rate (0.377 vs. 0.197) and had a much better turnover percentage (12.8 vs. 20.4). With 19 points and 12 rebounds, Anthony Lawrence II played well for Miami.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Miami. Miami ranks 111th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 17.8 percent), while the disruptive defense of North Carolina State forces the fifth-most turnovers in the NCAA (25.9 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Dorn (0 points) has been stellar for the Wolfpack while Dejan Vasiljevic (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Hurricanes.
After the Hurricanes won the only game against the Wolfpack last season, 86-81, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Hurricanes’ 13.5 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Wolfpack, who had a rate of 19.0.
North Carolina State Wolfpack at Miami Hurricanes ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – North Carolina State, ATS Winner – North Carolina State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
North Carolina State ranks 36th in rebounds per game (39.8) while Miami ranks 167th (35.3).
The Wolfpack rank 31st in three pointers allowed per game (19.2) while the Hurricanes rank 137th (22.7).
North Carolina State ranks 10th in assists per game (18.2) while Miami ranks 96th in assists allowed per game (12.8).
The Wolfpack rank 38th in steals per game (8.1) while the Hurricanes rank 89th (6.8).
Miami ranks 34th in blocks per game (4.7) while North Carolina State ranks 69th (3.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Wolfpack’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 38.8, up from 24.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hurricanes have scored an average of 84.0 points per game (6.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 63.0 points per game (4.6 below their season average).
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