The sixth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels (5-0) will be in the Battle 4 Atlantis at Imperial Arena at Atlantis Resort when they take on the Michigan Wolverines (5-0). The game will air on ESPN at 1:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 28, 2019.
Michigan Wolverines vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Tar Heels defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 76-67, while the Wolverines beat the Iowa State Cyclones 83-76.
Michigan played a nearly perfect game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.250 (above their season average of 0.161) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.673 (above their season average of 0.600). Iowa State was 0.159 and 0.471, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Alabama. The Tar Heels had a rate of 0.183 (below their season average of 0.230), while the Crimson Tide posted a mark of 0.059 (below their season average of 0.252). Armando Bacot played well for North Carolina with 12 points and 15 rebounds. Meanwhile, Zavier Simpson had a good outing for Michigan, recording 10 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of North Carolina takes on the stingy defense of Michigan. Since last season, the Tar Heels rank 30th in offensive efficiency, while the Wolverines are fifth in defensive efficiency. Also, the Wolverines, who rank 304th in offensive rebounding percentage (24.7 percent), might struggle to get put-back points against the Tar Heels, who rank fourth in defensive rebounding percentage (77.8 percent).
Michigan Wolverines vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Michigan ranks second in three pointers allowed per game (17.0) while North Carolina ranks 321st (27.5).
- The Wolverines average 4.1 blocks per game, which ranks 61st in the nation. The Tar Heels rank 242nd in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
- North Carolina ranks first in rebounds per game (45.0) while Michigan ranks 178th (35.4).
- The Wolverines rank 11th in assists allowed per game (10.1) while the Tar Heels rank 227th (13.9).
- Michigan ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (4.4) while North Carolina ranks 218th (6.8).
