The Davidson Wildcats (3-2) meet the No. 13 North Carolina Tar Heels (6-1) at Time Warner Cable Arena. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 1, 2017, and will air on ESPN2.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Davidson Wildcats ATS Prediction
The Tar Heels come in on a high note after topping the Michigan Wolverines in their last matchup, 86-71. The Tar Heels had a much better free throw rate (0.177 vs. 0.076) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.605 (above their season average of 0.509). North Carolina rallied around Luke Maye, who was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 11-for-16 shooting.
The last time the Wildcats played, they were victorious over the Charlotte 49ers, 85-70. The Wildcats forced 17 turnovers and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 24.1). With 12 points, 10 assists and six rebounds, Davidson’s Jon Axel Gudmundsson had a solid outing.
It could be a tough game for Davidson on the offensive glass. The Wildcats rank 308th in offensive rebounding percentage (25.2 percent), while North Carolina ranks 17th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.4 percent) since last season. Ball protection should be an advantage for the Tar Heels. They rank 31st at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.5 percent), while the Wildcats have forced the 56th-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.3 percent).
The Tar Heels won the only game against the Wildcats last season, 83-74. The Tar Heels had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.9 vs. 21.6) and had a much better free throw rate (0.443 vs. 0.305).
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Davidson Wildcats Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Davidson, ATS Winner – Davidson, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Davidson ranks fifth in three pointers attempted per game (28.1) while North Carolina ranks 285th in three pointers allowed per game (24.0).
The Tar Heels average 43.5 rebounds per game, which ranks first in the nation. The Wildcats rank 211th in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
North Carolina ranks 91st in steals per game (6.8) while Davidson ranks 262nd (5.0).
The Tar Heels rank third in assists per game (18.1) while the Wildcats rank 156th in assists allowed per game (13.1).
Davidson ranks 128th in blocks allowed per game (3.3) while North Carolina ranks 251st (4.5).
