The No. 7 North Carolina Tar Heels (5-0) face off against the Texas Longhorns (4-0) in the Las Vegas Invitational at Orleans Arena. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 22, 2018.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Texas Longhorns Free Prediction
In the Tar Heels’ last matchup, they blew out the Saint Francis U Red Flash, 101-76. The Tar Heels, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.562, had a ridiculous mark of 0.600 and had a free throw rate of 0.354 (above their season average of 0.223). North Carolina was lifted by Cameron Johnson, who was the team’s high scorer with 20 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
The Longhorns dismantled the Citadel Bulldogs in their last contest, 97-69. The Longhorns had a fantastically low turnover percentage of 7.0 (better than their season average of 15.8) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 48.8 (above their season average of 26.5). Dylan Osetkowski was Texas’ top scorer with 15 points on 7-for-14 shooting from the field.
Texas should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, Texas ranks 59th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while North Carolina has forced the 67th-fewest turnovers (17.1 percent). Also, the Tar Heels’ 18th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 115.3) will go head-to-head against the Longhorns’ 52nd-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 98.6).
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Texas Longhorns Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
North Carolina ranks second in assists per game (18.7) while Texas ranks 275th (11.9).
The Longhorns average 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 22nd in the nation. The Tar Heels rank 257th in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
North Carolina averages 43.2 rebounds per game, which ranks first in the nation. Texas ranks 222nd in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
The Longhorns rank 111th in three pointers attempted per game (23.4) while the Tar Heels rank 304th in three pointers allowed per game (25.7).
Texas ranks 39th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while North Carolina ranks 164th (6.3).
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