The North Carolina Tar Heels (10-15, 3-11 ACC) will attempt to snap their five-game losing streak when they clash with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (15-10, 6-8 ACC) at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. The game can be seen on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, February 17, 2020.
Consensus Odds From Indiana Sportsbooks: Notre Dame -4, Total 147.5
North Carolina Tar Heels at Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Prediction
The Tar Heels are hoping for a better outcome after their 64-62 loss to the Virginia Cavaliers in their last outing. Virginia’s 17.3 turnover percentage was their largest strength over North Carolina, who had a rate of 21.1. The Cavaliers’ mark was better than their season average of 17.7, while the Tar Heels’ was above their season average of 15.3. Garrison Brooks was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 9-for-14 shooting.
In the Fighting Irish’s last game, they lost big to the No. 7 Duke Blue Devils, 94-60. Duke launched 22 three pointers, making 10 of them (45.5 percent), while Notre Dame was 5-21 (23.8 percent). With 19 points and nine rebounds, John Mooney had a good performance for Notre Dame.
Notre Dame could put on a ball-control clinic in this contest. Notre Dame ranks first in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 14.3 percent), while North Carolina forces the 29th-fewest turnovers (16.6 percent).
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, Anthony scored a game-high 34 points and the Tar Heels beat the Fighting Irish 76-65. He also put up 11 rebounds and five assists. The Tar Heels had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.8 vs. 17.8) and had a better free throw rate (0.169 vs. 0.118).
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Free Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
North Carolina ranks first in rebounds per game (42.9) while Notre Dame ranks 272nd in rebounds allowed per game (38.5).
The Fighting Irish rank 14th in three pointers attempted per game (28.1) while the Tar Heels rank 259th (18.1).
Notre Dame averages 16.8 assists per game, which ranks eighth in the NCAA. North Carolina ranks 174th in assists allowed per game (13.4).
The Fighting Irish rank 64th in blocks per game (3.8) while the Tar Heels rank 159th in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
Notre Dame averages 5.8 steals per game, which ranks 175th in the nation. North Carolina ranks 182nd in steals allowed per game (7.2).
The Tar Heels’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.6, up from 0.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Fighting Irish have scored an average of 66.0 points per game (8.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (0.3 above their season average).