The No. 6 Louisville Cardinals (18-3, 9-1 ACC) look to lengthen their seven-game winning streak against the North Carolina State Wolfpack (14-7, 5-5 ACC) at PNC Arena. The game can be seen on ESPN at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Louisville Cardinals at North Carolina State Wolfpack Betting Prediction
In the Cardinals’ last contest, they defeated the Boston College Eagles, 86-69. The Cardinals had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 43.8 (above their season average of 32.3) and had a free throw rate of 0.357 (above their season average of 0.228). With 37 points on 11-for-20 shooting, Jordan Nwora was the top scorer from either team.
The Wolfpack were beaten by the North Carolina Tar Heels in their last game, 75-65. Getting to the charity stripe was one of North Carolina’s largest advantages. They had 25 free throw attempts, while North Carolina State had just seven. D.J. Funderburk had a solid performance for North Carolina State, leading the team in scoring with 18 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
After the Cardinals won the lone game against the Wolfpack last season, 84-77, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Cardinals made 24 of their 29 free throws (82.8 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (18.6 vs. 25.3).
North Carolina State could put on a ball-control clinic in this meeting. North Carolina State ranks 17th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.1 percent), while Louisville forces the 41st-fewest turnovers (17.2 percent).
Louisville Cardinals at North Carolina State Wolfpack Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Louisville, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Louisville ranks 29th in rebounds per game (39.8) while North Carolina State ranks 215th in rebounds allowed per game (36.8).
The Wolfpack average 22.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 134th in the country. The Cardinals rank 221st in three pointers allowed per game (24.4).
North Carolina State ranks 37th in blocks per game (4.6) while Louisville ranks 119th (3.1).
The Cardinals rank 32nd in assists allowed per game (10.4) while the Wolfpack rank 63rd (11.3).
North Carolina State averages 7.6 steals per game, which ranks 65th in the nation. Louisville ranks 88th in steals allowed per game (6.0).
The Cardinals’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.0, down from 12.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolfpack have scored an average of 63.2 points per game (11.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.4 points per game (7.0 below their season average).
