The Louisville Cardinals and North Carolina Tar Heels meet Monday in college basketball action at the Dean E. Smith Center. Here’s a North Carolina vs. Louisville prediction. This article will include a North Carolina vs. Louisville pick.
Louisville Cardinals Betting Preview
The Louisville Cardinals lost to SMU, beat Georgia Tech, and play Clemson next. Louisville has won 8 of its last 10 games.
The Louisville Cardinals are averaging 86.9 points on 47.3 percent shooting and allowing 71.8 points on 41.2 percent shooting. Mikel Brown Jr. is averaging 18.6 points and 3.4 rebounds, while Ryan Conwell is averaging 18.3 points and 4.8 rebounds. J’Vonne Hadley is the third double-digit scorer, and Isaac McKneely is grabbing 2.7 rebounds. The Louisville Cardinals are shooting 36.1 percent from beyond the arc and 77.9 percent from the free throw line. The Louisville Cardinals are allowing 32.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 37.3 rebounds per game.
North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Preview
The North Carolina Tar Heels lost to NC State, beat Syracuse, and play Virginia Tech next. North Carolina has won 7 of its last 9 games.
The North Carolina Tar Heels are averaging 80.7 points on 47.2 percent shooting and allowing 70.7 points on 41.3 percent shooting. Caleb Wilson is averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds, while Henri Veesaar is averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds. Seth Trimble is the third double-digit scorer, and Luka Bogavac is grabbing 2.6 rebounds. The North Carolina Tar Heels are shooting 33.6 percent from beyond the arc and 68.6 percent from the free throw line. The North Carolina Tar Heels are allowing 33.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 35.6 rebounds per game.
Why the North Carolina Tar Heels will win
- North Carolina has won each of its last 16 games as an AP-ranked team at Dean E. Smith Center.
- Louisville has lost 17 of its last 19 night games against AP-ranked opponents.
- North Carolina has won the first half in 12 of its last 13 games at Dean E. Smith Center.
Why the Louisville Cardinals will win
- Louisville has won seven of its last eight February games as an AP-ranked team.
- North Carolina has lost nine of its last 12 night games against AP-ranked opponents.
- North Carolina has lost the first half in 13 of its last 14 games against AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of North Carolina’s last seven night games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 161 or fewer points.
- Twenty-six of Louisville’s last 29 night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 160 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- North Carolina ranks 9th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (10.7).
- North Carolina ranks 14th among Division 1 teams for assist to turnover ratio this season (1.73).
- Louisville ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (32.6).
- Louisville ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goals made per game this season (11.8).
North Carolina vs Louisville Prediction
Louisville is in better shape in terms of form and health. North Carolina has relied a lot on Caleb Wilson this season, and him not being around is a massive blow. Louisville should be favored. However, we’re getting points with a North Carolina team that’s unbeaten at home. North Carolina also hasn’t been a home underdog since February 2022. Since December 2010, North Carolina is 4-2 SU as a home underdog. Taking that into effect, this will be just the seventh time in the last five-plus years where UNC is a home dog. You don’t get this chance often. Even without Wilson, I’m going to take the points.