The Kansas Jayhawks and the North Carolina Tar Heels meet Friday in college basketball action from the Dean E. Smith Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Kansas Jayhawks vs. North Carolina Tar Heels prediction.
Kansas Jayhawks Recap
The Kansas Jayhawks come into this game looking to build on a 94-51 win over Green Bay last time out to sit at 1-0 on the year. After this game, Kansas will head home for a game against Texas A&M-CC.
Jayhawks Looking For Nice Road Win
Flory Bidunga led the Jayhawks with 23 points on 9 of 11 shooting with 6 rebounds to lead the Jayhawks on the glass while Darryn Peterson added 21 points on 7 of 11 shooting with 3 threes, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Melvin Council added 10 points on 4 of 5 shooting with 5 rebounds and a team-high 4 assists to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for the Jayhawks in the winning effort. Tre White also chipped in 9 points with 3 assists while Kohl Rosario added 6 points with 5 rebounds and 3 assists as well on the year.
Why the Kansas Jayhawks will win
- North Carolina has lost each of its last nine night games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Kansas has won 16 of its last 17 games against the Atlantic Coast Conference.
North Carolina Tar Heels Recap
The North Carolina Tar Heels come into this game looking to build on their 94-54 win over Central Arkansas last time out to sit at 1-0 this season. After this game, North Carolina will take on Radford at home.
Tar Heels Looking For Signature Home Win
Caleb Wilson led the Tar Heels with 22 points on 8 of 10 shooting with 4 rebounds and 3 assists while Kyan Evans chipped in 15 points on 5 of 8 shooting with 4 threes, 6 rebounds, a team-high 5 assists and 4 steals. Henri Veesaar added 14 points on 6 of 9 shooting with a team-high 10 rebounds and Seth Trimble chipped in 12 points with 4 assists while Luka Bogavac added 10 points and 5 assists of his own to round out the group of double-digit scorers for North Carolina so far this season. Derek Dixon also pulled down 6 boards as well in the winning effort.
Why the North Carolina Tar Heels will win
- North Carolina has won 22 of its last 23 games against non-Conference opponents at Dean E. Smith Center.
- Kansas has lost three of its last four night games against AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Kansas’ last 11 games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 151 or fewer points.
- Seven of North Carolina’s last eight games have produced a total of 151 or fewer points.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Prediction
I’m on the Tar Heels at home in this one. Part of me wonders if we’re seeing the decline of Kansas basketball under Bill Self, but I’m not writing off the Jayhawks after one game. That being said, North Carolina is in a revenge spot here, at home, which they didn’t have the luxury of when these teams squared off last season, and this is where the Tar Heels have been at their best. It also feels like Hubert Davis really needs this win. I’ll back North Carolina in this one.