The North Carolina State Wolfpack (10-4, 1-2 ACC) welcome the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-4, 1-2 ACC) to PNC Arena as they look to lengthen their eight-game home winning streak. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish at North Carolina State Wolfpack Betting Prediction
The Fighting Irish will be looking for similar success after narrowly defeating the Syracuse Orange in their last contest, 88-87. The Fighting Irish had a turnover percentage of 10.6 (better than their season average of 11.9) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 42.5 (above their season average of 26.7). With 28 points on 11-for-21 shooting, John Mooney was the top scorer from either team.
The last time the Wolfpack were in action, they fell to the Clemson Tigers, 81-70. Clemson was successful at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The Tigers made 26 of their 31 free throws (83.9 percent), while the Wolfpack were just 13-19 (68.4 percent). North Carolina State’s Markell Johnson recorded 11 points and seven assists in the contest.
After the Wolfpack won the lone game against the Fighting Irish last season, 77-73, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Wolfpack had a better turnover percentage (8.5 vs. 11.5) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.7 vs. 25.0).
Contrasting tempos will be on display in this battle. North Carolina State prefers an up-and-down style of play (72nd in possessions per game), while Notre Dame is methodical (183rd in possessions per game).
Notre Dame at North Carolina State Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – North Carolina State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
North Carolina State averages 36.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 123rd in the country. Notre Dame ranks 258th in rebounds allowed per game (39.8).
The Fighting Irish rank ninth in three pointers attempted per game (29.5) while the Wolfpack rank 142nd (22.4).
Notre Dame ranks 21st in steals allowed per game (5.0) while North Carolina State ranks 119th (6.6).
The Fighting Irish rank third in assists per game (18.8) while the Wolfpack rank 101st in assists allowed per game (12.1).
Notre Dame ranks 43rd in blocks per game (4.4) while North Carolina State ranks 128th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
The Fighting Irish’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.6, up from 11.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolfpack have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (4.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.0 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
