The fifth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels (3-0) hope to remain unbeaten when they clash with the Elon Phoenix (2-2) at Dean E. Smith Center. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.
Elon Phoenix at North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Tar Heels beat the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs, 77-61, while the Phoenix were blown out by the Michigan Wolverines, 70-50.
North Carolina played a nearly flawless game. They had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 and a free throw rate of 0.333. For those same stats, Gardner-Webb put up marks of 13.5 and 0.246, respectively. Elon, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (10.1 vs. 13.8). Cole Anthony had a good game for North Carolina, contributing 28 points. Marcus Sheffield fueled Elon with 22 points.
The Tar Heels won the only game between these two teams last year, 116-67. The Tar Heels’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Phoenix. North Carolina had a rate of 10.0, while Elon posted a mark of 23.0.
The prolific offense of North Carolina will clash against the porous defense of Elon. Since the 2018-19 season, the Tar Heels rank 24th in offensive efficiency, while the Phoenix are 314th in defensive efficiency. The Tar Heels should have the edge on that end of the court. Moreover, put-back points could be few and far between for the Phoenix. They rank 314th in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 24.4 percent, while the Tar Heels have been sixth-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 77.4 percent).
Elon at North Carolina ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Elon averages 29.1 three pointers per game, which ranks seventh in the country. North Carolina ranks 323rd in three pointers allowed per game (27.3).
- The Tar Heels average 18.6 assists per game, which ranks third in the nation. The Phoenix rank 219th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
- North Carolina ranks 91st in steals per game (6.9) while Elon ranks 289th (4.4).
- The Tar Heels average 44.4 rebounds per game, which ranks first in the nation. The Phoenix rank 257th in rebounds allowed per game (37.0).
- Elon ranks 25th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while North Carolina ranks 243rd (4.4).
