The sixth-ranked Louisville Cardinals (18-3, 9-1 ACC) and the North Carolina State Wolfpack (14-7, 5-5 ACC) battle at PNC Arena. The Cardinals look to prolong their seven-game winning streak. Action gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020, and can be seen on ESPN.
Louisville Cardinals at North Carolina State Wolfpack Betting Odds
In their last game, the Wolfpack lost to the North Carolina Tar Heels, 75-65, while the Cardinals beat the Boston College Eagles, 86-69.
Louisville played a nearly perfect game. They had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 43.8 (above their season average of 32.3) and a free throw rate of 0.357 (above their season average of 0.228). For those same stats, Boston College put up marks of 27.5 and 0.233, respectively. North Carolina State, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (12.6 vs. 16.0). North Carolina State rallied around D.J. Funderburk, who contributed 18 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Jordan Nwora played a pivotal role for Louisville with 37 points and nine rebounds.
The Cardinals won the sole contest between these two teams last year, 84-77. Louisville was successful at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Cardinals made 24 of their 29 free throws (82.8 percent), while the Wolfpack were just 5-7 (71.4 percent). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
North Carolina State should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. North Carolina State ranks 17th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.1 percent), while Louisville forces the 41st-fewest turnovers (17.2 percent).
Louisville Cardinals at North Carolina State Wolfpack Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – North Carolina State, ATS Winner – North Carolina State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Louisville ranks 29th in rebounds per game (39.8) while North Carolina State ranks 215th in rebounds allowed per game (36.8).
- The Cardinals rank 32nd in assists allowed per game (10.4) while the Wolfpack rank 63rd (11.3).
- North Carolina State ranks 65th in steals per game (7.6) while Louisville ranks 88th in steals allowed per game (6.0).
- The Wolfpack average 22.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 134th in the NCAA. The Cardinals rank 221st in three pointers allowed per game (24.4).
- North Carolina State ranks 37th in blocks per game (4.6) while Louisville ranks 119th (3.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 77.2 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.2 points per game (4.6 above their season average).
- The Wolfpack’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 6.4 for the season.
