Expect a shootout when the fourth-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs (9-1) challenge the 12th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels (7-2) at Dean E. Smith Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018, and will air on ESPN2.
Gonzaga Bulldogs at North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Tar Heels defeated the Wofford Terriers 78-67, while the Bulldogs had no trouble getting past the Idaho State Bengals 120-79.
Gonzaga dominated every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.429 and a turnover percentage of 7.5. Idaho State had marks of 0.129 and 16.5, respectively, for those same stats. The Tar Heels, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.7 vs. 26.5) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.568 vs. 0.452). North Carolina was led by Luke Maye, who finished with 24 points and seven rebounds. Rui Hachimura played a pivotal role for Gonzaga with 33 points.
Brandon Clarke and Hachimura have played at a high level over the last five games for Gonzaga. Clarke has averaged 0 points per game, while Hachimura has put up 0 points a game during that span.
It might turn into a shootout as two of the NCAA’s top offenses go head-to-head. Dating back to last season, North Carolina ranks eighth with 115.1 points per 100 possessions and Gonzaga is fourth (121.2).
Gonzaga Bulldogs at North Carolina Tar Heels Free Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – Gonzaga, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Gonzaga ranks 94th in three pointers attempted per game (23.9) while North Carolina ranks 249th in three pointers allowed per game (25.5).
- The Bulldogs rank 36th in assists per game (16.1) while the Tar Heels rank 90th in assists allowed per game (14.2).
- North Carolina ranks second in rebounds per game (43.1) while Gonzaga ranks 41st in rebounds allowed per game (31.9).
- The Bulldogs rank 30th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Tar Heels rank 149th (6.3).
- Gonzaga ranks 41st in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while North Carolina ranks 148th (4.6).
