In this article we will formulate a North Carolina vs VCU prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 19th at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NCAA Tournament matchup.
North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Preview
The North Carolina Tar Heels are 24-8 (12-6) this season after they lost to Clemson by a score of 80-79 in their last game. North Carolina trailed 39-31 at halftime, but they did score 48 points in the second half in the loss. The Tar Heels shot 48% from the field, 37% on three pointers, and 59% on free throws in the game. Henri Veesaar led UNC with 28 points and 17 rebounds, while Derek Dixon added 16 points and three rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, North Carolina lost to Duke by a score of 76-61, but did beat Clemson by a score of 67-63 before that. The Tar Heels have scored 79.8 points per game with 38.0 rebounds and 16.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 71.3 points against per game this season. Henri Veesaar is averaging 16.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, while Seth Trimble is averaging 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds per game for the Tar Heels. North Carolina is shooting 47.3% from the field, 68.4% on free throws, and 34.5% on three pointers this season.
VCU Rams Betting Preview
The VCU Rams are 27-7 (15-3) this year after they defeated Dayton by a score of 70-62 in their last game. VCU led 40-25 at halftime, but they were outscored 37-30 in the second half in the win. The Rams shot 40% from the field, 46% on three pointers, and 68% on free throws in the game. Nyk Lewis led VCU with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Terrence Hill Jr added 14 points and two assists in the win.
Prior to that game, VCU defeated St. Joe’s by a score of 77-64 and Duquesne by a score of 71-66. The Rams have scored 81.6 points per game with 36.7 rebounds and 14.1 assists per game, while they have allowed 71.5 points against per game this season. Terrence Hill Jr is averaging 14.4 points and 2.8 assists per game, while Lazar Djokovic is averaging 13.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game for the Rams. VCU is shooting 46.0% from the field, 73.9% on free throws, and 36.7% on three pointers this year.
Why the North Carolina Tar Heels will win
- VCU has lost each of its last 12 games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- North Carolina has won each of its last 11 night games against non-Conference opponents.
- VCU has lost the first half in eight of its last nine games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Why the VCU Rams will win
- VCU has won 16 of its last 17 games.
- North Carolina has lost three of its last four March games as an AP-ranked team.
- VCU has won the first half in each of its last 12 games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of North Carolina’s last seven games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 150 or fewer points.
- Each of VCU’s last six games have produced a total of 145 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- North Carolina ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (10.3).
- North Carolina ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (14.8).
- VCU ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (19.2).
- VCU ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for free throw attempts per game this season (26.0).
North Carolina vs VCU Prediction
North Carolina comes into this matchup on a two game losing streak and they continue to miss their leading scorer, Caleb Wilson, who is out for the season. The Tar Heels have allowed at least 76 points in three of their last four games and they are very dependent on Veesaar for scoring. VCU won the A-10 Tournament and they are scoring nearly 82 points per game. The Rams don’t have great defensive numbers, but they have allowed 66 or fewer in five straight. I think this is a great chance for an upset with how VCU matches up, so I like the Rams and the points here.