It will be a battle between ACC opponents when the Miami Hurricanes (9-7, 1-3 ACC) welcome the No. 13 North Carolina Tar Heels (13-4, 3-1 ACC) to the Watsco Center. The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
North Carolina Tar Heels at Miami Hurricanes ATS Prediction
The last time the Tar Heels played, they beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 75-69. The Tar Heels held the Fighting Irish to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.4 (below their season average of 30.5). The Fighting Irish had a free throw rate of 0.148 (below their season average of 0.251). North Carolina was lifted by Luke Maye, who recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Hurricanes were victorious over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in their last outing, 76-65. Miami’s 0.396 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Wake Forest, who had a rate of 0.110. The Hurricanes’ mark was above their season average of 0.246, while the Demon Deacons’ was below their season average of 0.336. Chris Lykes was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 5-for-11 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, the Tar Heels won 82-65. The Tar Heels made 18 of their 23 free throws (78.3 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.0 vs. 25.5).
Second-chance points might be scarce for Miami in this showdown. The Hurricanes are among the nation’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 270th in offensive rebounding percentage at 26.0 percent. Meanwhile, North Carolina ranks 22nd in the country at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 76.4 percent.
North Carolina vs. Miami Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Miami, ATS Winner – Miami, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
North Carolina ranks first in rebounds per game (44.5) while Miami ranks 194th in rebounds allowed per game (36.8).
The Hurricanes average 24.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 88th in the country. The Tar Heels rank 231st in three pointers allowed per game (26.2).
North Carolina averages 19.1 assists per game, which ranks sixth in the NCAA. Miami ranks 138th in assists allowed per game (13.4).
The Hurricanes rank 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Tar Heels rank 153rd (4.7).
Miami ranks 43rd in steals allowed per game (5.5) while North Carolina ranks 136th (7.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Tar Heels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.6, down from 14.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hurricanes have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (3.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.4 points per game (4.3 above their season average).
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