The No. 5 Auburn Tigers (28-9), 5-point underdogs, meet the No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (29-6) in the Sweet Sixteen at Sprint Center. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 164 points and it begins at 7:29 p.m. ET on Friday, March 29, 2019.
Auburn Tigers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Tar Heels had no trouble getting past the No. 9 Washington Huskies 81-59, while the Tigers beat the No. 4 Kansas Jayhawks 89-75.
The Tigers had a great turnover percentage of 9.4 (better than their season average of 14.8) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.631 (above their season average of 0.541). The Tar Heels, on the other hand, had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 48.4 (above their season average of 35.3), while the Huskies had a free throw rate of 0.067 (below their season average of 0.247). Luke Maye played a pivotal role for North Carolina with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, Bryce Brown had a solid performance for Auburn, finishing with 25 points.
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Tigers games, with 19 overs compared to 17 unders. Auburn holds records of 28-9 straight up (SU) and 18-14-4 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas has a tendency to set the total high when the Tar Heels are involved, as 58.8 percent of their games have ended under the projected point total. Further, North Carolina owns records of 29-6 SU and 21-12-1 ATS.
It might turn into a shootout as a pair of the nation’s top offenses square off. North Carolina currently ranks 22nd with 113.9 points per 100 possessions and Auburn is 12th (114.9). Also, the Tigers are among the country’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking 54th in offensive rebounding percentage (32.5 percent). The Tar Heels, however, rank ninth in defensive rebounding percentage (77.1 percent).
Auburn Tigers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Auburn ranks fourth in three pointers attempted per game (30.1) while North Carolina ranks 306th in three pointers allowed per game (27.1).
- The Tigers rank third in steals per game (9.4) while the Tar Heels rank 179th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
- Auburn averages 14.4 assists per game, which ranks 81st in the country. North Carolina ranks 205th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
- The Tar Heels rank first in rebounds per game (44.0) while the Tigers rank 222nd (34.1).
- Auburn ranks 24th in blocks per game (4.7) while North Carolina ranks 236th in blocks allowed per game (4.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Tar Heels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.6, down from 13.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 77.8 points per game (0.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (1.7 above their season average).
