The 11th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels (6-1) and their phenomenal offense head to Michigan to play the seventh-ranked Wolverines (6-0) and their stifling defense. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, and will air on ESPN.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Wolverines easily got past the Chattanooga Mocs 83-55, while the Tar Heels beat the 17th-ranked UCLA Bruins 94-78.
North Carolina played a nearly perfect game. They had a ridiculously low turnover percentage of 7.3 (better than their season average of 15.0) and a free throw rate of 0.328 (above their season average of 0.244). For those same stats, UCLA put up marks of 15.6 and 0.271, respectively. The Wolverines, meanwhile, knocked down 17 of their 24 free throws (70.8 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 6.7 (better than their season average of 13.2). Ignas Brazdeikis fueled Michigan with 20 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Coby White had a good outing for North Carolina, putting up 19 points and eight assists.
The Tar Heels won the only game between these two teams last season, 86-71. North Carolina’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Michigan. The Tar Heels had a rate of 0.177, while the Wolverines posted a mark of 0.076.
This matchup figures to be a high-scoring affair as a pair of the NCAA’s premier offenses face off. Michigan ranks 48th with 112.2 points per 100 possessions and North Carolina is 17th (115.5) since last season. Conflicting styles will be on display in this showdown. The up-tempo Tar Heels rank 52nd in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Wolverines rank 339th.
North Carolina Tar Heels at Michigan Wolverines Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Michigan ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (16.4) while North Carolina ranks 314th (25.6).
- The Wolverines rank 97th in blocks allowed per game (3.1) while the Tar Heels rank 255th (4.6).
- Michigan ranks third in steals allowed per game (3.9) while North Carolina ranks 160th (6.3).
- The Wolverines rank eighth in assists allowed per game (9.9) while the Tar Heels rank 234th (14.2).
- North Carolina ranks first in rebounds per game (43.0) while Michigan ranks 225th (34.3).