Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs North Carolina Tar Heels Prediction – 3/12/2025

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the North Carolina Tar Heels are set to face off in the second round of the ACC Tournament on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 2:30 PM Eastern Time at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. This matchup features two teams with contrasting seasons, each aiming to advance further in the tournament.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Game Preview

Notre Dame enters the game with a 15-17 overall record, having recently secured a narrow 55-54 victory over Pittsburgh in the first round of the ACC Tournament. The Irish have shown resilience, winning three consecutive games, including triumphs over Stanford and California. However, their season has been marked by inconsistency, with a 3-9 record in away games and a 14-16-2 mark against the spread (ATS). Offensively, Notre Dame averages 73.2 points per game, shooting 45.5% from the field and 35.6% from beyond the arc. Defensively, they allow 72.4 points per game, with opponents shooting 43.7% from the field.

North Carolina, on the other hand, boasts a 20-12 record and has been a formidable force, especially at home with a 12-3 record. The Tar Heels are coming off a 82-69 loss to Duke but had previously won six straight games, showcasing their offensive prowess by scoring 81 or more points in each of those victories. Freshman guard Ian Jackson has been a standout performer, leading the team in scoring in recent games and averaging 13.9 points per game. The Tar Heels average 81.7 points per game, shooting 48.0% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range. Defensively, they allow 76.1 points per game, with opponents shooting 43.7% from the field.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, North Carolina is favored by 7.5 points, with an over/under set at 151.5 points. The Tar Heels have a 12-19-1 ATS record, while the Fighting Irish stand at 14-16-2 ATS. In their previous encounter this season on January 4, North Carolina edged out Notre Dame with a 74-73 victory.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Prediction

Considering North Carolina's strong offensive capabilities and recent form, they are well-positioned to cover the 7.5-point spread. Notre Dame's recent victories have been by narrow margins, and their offensive output may struggle to keep pace with the Tar Heels. Additionally, North Carolina's home-court advantage and the emergence of Ian Jackson as a key scorer further bolster their prospects. Therefore, the recommendation is to back North Carolina to cover the spread in this ACC Tournament matchup.

Visit the NCAABB picks and predictions section for the rest of today's games.