The Penn State Nittany Lions (5-4) take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack (8-1) at Boardwalk Hall. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Prediction
In the Wolfpack’s last matchup, 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 game’s leading scorer with 28 points on 10-for-18 shooting.
The Nittany Lions beat the North Florida Ospreys in their last outing, 87-72. Getting to the free throw line was one of Penn State’s largest strengths. They had 35 free throw attempts, while North Florida had 22. Lamar Stevens was the game’s high scorer with 22 points on 7-for-14 shooting from the field.
The inefficient offense of Penn State will face off against the elite defense of North Carolina State. Dating back to last season, the Nittany Lions rank 256th in offensive efficiency, while the Wolfpack are fourth in defensive efficiency. The Wolfpack should have the edge on that side of the ball. Furthermore, the Wolfpack have committed the 57th-fewest errors in the country (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of the Nittany Lions has caused the 50th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 20.2 percent).
The Wolfpack won the sole game against the Nittany Lions last season, 85-78. The Wolfpack had a much better free throw rate (0.439 vs. 0.224) and had a better turnover percentage (16.0 vs. 18.9).
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – North Carolina State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
North Carolina State ranks 14th in rebounds allowed per game (34.1) while Penn State ranks 133rd (33.3).
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