The eighth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels (18-4, 8-1 ACC) and the Miami Hurricanes (10-12, 2-8 ACC) go head-to-head at Dean E. Smith Center. The Tar Heels will attempt to lengthen their six-game winning streak. Action gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Miami Hurricanes at North Carolina Tar Heels ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Tar Heels defeated the 23rd-ranked North Carolina State Wolfpack 113-96, while the Hurricanes beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 62-47.
Miami dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 13.5 (better than their season average of 15.6) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.468 (below their season average of 0.520). For those same stats, Notre Dame recorded marks of 19.2 and 0.357, respectively. Meanwhile, North Carolina played a nearly perfect game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.470 (above their season average of 0.237) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 51.9 (above their season average of 35.5). For those same stats, North Carolina State was 0.203 and 34.1, respectively. Luke Maye had a good outing for North Carolina with 31 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Miami received a boost from Anthony Lawrence II, who finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Coby White led the Tar Heels to an 85-76 victory. He produced 15 points, eight assists and five rebounds. North Carolina out-rebounded Miami. The Tar Heels had more offensive rebounds (13 vs. six), defensive rebounds (25 vs. 17) and total rebounds (38 vs. 23).
The productive offense of North Carolina will face off against the mid-tier defense of Miami. The Tar Heels currently rank 22nd in offensive efficiency, while the Hurricanes are 170th in defensive efficiency. The Tar Heels figure to have the edge on that end of the court. Also, second chance points could be rare for the Hurricanes. They rank 270th in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 25.7 percent, while the Tar Heels are 21st-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 76.3 percent).
Miami Hurricanes at North Carolina Tar Heels Free Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- North Carolina ranks first in rebounds per game (43.5) while Miami ranks 231st (33.4).
- The Hurricanes rank 107th in blocks per game (3.3) while the Tar Heels rank 171st in blocks allowed per game (4.5).
- Miami ranks 102nd in steals per game (6.5) while North Carolina ranks 165th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
- The Tar Heels average 19.9 assists per game, which ranks third in the country. The Hurricanes rank 202nd in assists allowed per game (14.5).
- Miami averages 24.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 78th in the nation. North Carolina ranks 241st in three pointers allowed per game (25.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Tar Heels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.0, up from 14.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Hurricanes have scored an average of 59.4 points per game (13.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.2 points per game (2.9 below their season average).
