Offense meets defense when the Michigan Wolverines (6-1) visit North Carolina to take on the No. 13 Tar Heels (5-1). North Carolina is a 10.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 145.5 points. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN.
Michigan Wolverines vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Preview
The Wolverines had no trouble getting past the UC Riverside Highlanders in their last contest, 87-42. With 17 points and 12 assists, Charles Matthews had a good game for Michigan. Michigan played a flawless game. They had a phenomenal effective field goal percentage of 0.643 (above their season average of 0.571) and a free throw rate of 0.095 (below their season average of 0.199). For those same stats, UC Riverside recorded marks of 0.325 and 0.050, respectively.
The last time the Tar Heels played, they were thoroughly outplayed by the No. 4 Michigan State Spartans, 63-45. Theo Pinson led North Carolina in scoring with 16 points on 6-for-13 shooting. Michigan State held the Tar Heels to an effective field goal percentage of 0.254 (below their season average of 0.554). North Carolina, on the other hand, forced the Spartans into a turnover percentage of 28.3 (above their season average of 17.9).
This meeting figures to be a shootout as two of the nations top offenses square off. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, North Carolina ranks 14th with 116.3 points per 100 possessions and Michigan is fifth (118.4). Also, the Wolverines, who rank 304th in offensive rebounding percentage (25.6 percent), could struggle to get put-back points against the Tar Heels, who rank 13th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.6 percent).
In terms of the O/U total, these teams are complete opposites. Michigan games have gone under 66.7 percent of the time, while 60.0 percent of games involving North Carolina have gone over. Both teams have outstanding straight up (SU) records (6-1 for Michigan; 5-1 for North Carolina), but the Tar Heels have the advantage against the spread (ATS). North Carolina is 3-2 ATS, while the Wolverines are 3-3.
Michigan Wolverines vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Wolverines rank fourth in steals allowed per game (4.3) while the Tar Heels rank 145th (6.2).
- North Carolina ranks third in assists per game (18.0) while Michigan ranks 106th (14.3).
- North Carolina ranks first in rebounds per game (43.7) while Michigan ranks 326th (29.9).
- The Wolverines rank third in three pointers allowed per game (15.8) while the Tar Heels rank 271st (23.8).
- Michigan ranks 17th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while North Carolina ranks 246th (4.5).
