The North Carolina Tar Heels (14-18, 7-14 ACC) take on the Syracuse Orange (17-14, 10-10 ACC) in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tourney at Greensboro Coliseum. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Syracuse Orange Free Prediction
The Tar Heels come in on a high note after dismantling the Virginia Tech Hokies in their last contest, 78-56. The Tar Heels knocked down 19 of their 25 free throws (76.0 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.6 (above their season average of 35.2). North Carolina was led by Brandon Robinson, who put up 17 points and six rebounds.
In the Orange’s previous outing, they lost to the Miami (FL) Hurricanes, 69-65. One of Miami (FL)’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 13-15 (86.7 percent), while the Orange were just 12-19 (63.2 percent). Syracuse’s Marek Dolezaj had a good game, leading the team in scoring with 17 points on 7-for-12 shooting.
Syracuse could put on a ball-control clinic in this showdown. Syracuse ranks 45th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.8 percent), while North Carolina forces the 24th-fewest turnovers (16.3 percent). Additionally, the Tar Heels could control the offensive glass in this battle as they rank 13th in the country in offensive rebounding percentage at 35.3 percent. The Orange, meanwhile, rank 327th in defensive rebounding percentage (67.8 percent).
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Syracuse Orange Free Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Syracuse, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Syracuse averages 24.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 53rd in the nation. North Carolina ranks 283rd in three pointers allowed per game (25.1).
The Tar Heels rank second in rebounds per game (41.9) while the Orange rank 229th in rebounds allowed per game (36.9).
North Carolina ranks 57th in assists per game (14.4) while Syracuse ranks 270th in assists allowed per game (17.5).
The Orange average 4.5 blocks per game, which ranks 34th in the country. The Tar Heels rank 178th in blocks allowed per game (4.2).
Syracuse averages 7.3 steals per game, which ranks 67th in the nation. North Carolina ranks 167th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
The Tar Heels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.6, up from 0.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Orange have scored an average of 75.8 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.6 points per game (0.8 above their season average).