The 23rd-ranked North Carolina State Wolfpack (16-7, 4-6 ACC) and their sensational offense travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers (12-11, 2-8 ACC) and their exceptional defense. The game gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
North Carolina State Wolfpack at Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Odds
Both teams lost in their last outing. The Panthers lost a winnable game to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 78-76, while the Wolfpack were beaten by the eighth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels, 113-96.
North Carolina State had a much better turnover percentage (11.5 vs. 17.1) while Pittsburgh had a turnover percentage of 10.5 (better than their season average of 17.4). Xavier Johnson put together a good game for Pittsburgh with 23 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Braxton Beverly had a good outing for North Carolina State, contributing 17 points.
In their first matchup this year, DJ Funderburk led the Wolfpack to an 86-80 win. He produced 18 points and nine rebounds. North Carolina State out-rebounded Pittsburgh. The Wolfpack had more offensive rebounds (21 vs. nine) and total rebounds (44 vs. 34).
Baskets could be hard to come by as two of the country’s top defenses battle. Pittsburgh currently ranks 55th in defensive efficiency (96.3) and North Carolina State is 60th (96.6). Moreover, the Wolfpack could control the offensive glass in this matchup as they rank 15th in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 36.9 percent. The Panthers, meanwhile, rank 331st in defensive rebounding percentage (66.7 percent).
North Carolina State Wolfpack at Pittsburgh Panthers Odds Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Pittsburgh, ATS Winner – Pittsburgh, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- North Carolina State ranks 41st in rebounds per game (38.7) while Pittsburgh ranks 241st in rebounds allowed per game (37.7).
- The Wolfpack average 3.9 blocks per game, which ranks 67th in the country. The Panthers rank 178th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
- North Carolina State ranks 51st in steals per game (7.5) while Pittsburgh ranks 144th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
- The Wolfpack rank 38th in assists per game (15.9) while the Panthers rank 209th (12.0).
- North Carolina State ranks 23rd in three pointers allowed per game (18.9) while Pittsburgh ranks 190th (23.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Wolfpack have scored an average of 66.2 points per game (16.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.4 points per game (5.2 above their season average).
- The Panthers have been outscored by an average of 10.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Pittsburgh has defeated opponents by an average of 5.1 points.
