The North Carolina State Wolfpack (19-12, 10-10 ACC) square off with the Pittsburgh Panthers (16-16, 7-14 ACC) in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tourney at Greensboro Coliseum. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack Free Prediction
The Panthers come in on a high note after defeating the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in their last game, 81-72. Pittsburgh’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Wake Forest. The Panthers had a rate of 10.3 (better than their season average of 15.8), while the Demon Deacons posted a mark of 21.6 (above their season average of 17.3). Pittsburgh was led by Justin Champagnie, who was the top scorer from either team with 31 points on 13-for-19 shooting.
The last time the Wolfpack played, they won big over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 84-64. The Wolfpack were 7-9 from the foul line (77.8 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 12.3 (better than their season average of 14.9). With 13 points, 10 assists and five rebounds, Markell Johnson played well for North Carolina State.
Ball security could play a key role in this contest. North Carolina State commits the 54th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 17.0 percent), while the disruptive defense of Pittsburgh forces the 16th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.8 percent). Furthermore, the Panthers are among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive backboards, ranking 36th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.0 percent). The Wolfpack, meanwhile, rank 304th at grabbing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 69.1 percent.
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack ATS Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – North Carolina State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
North Carolina State ranks 43rd in assists allowed per game (10.9) while Pittsburgh ranks 210th (14.0).
The Wolfpack rank 33rd in blocks per game (4.5) while the Panthers rank 181st in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
North Carolina State ranks 141st in three pointers attempted per game (22.0) while Pittsburgh ranks 270th (17.9).
The Panthers rank 31st in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Wolfpack rank 150th (6.6).
North Carolina State averages 35.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 142nd in the NCAA. Pittsburgh ranks 212th in rebounds allowed per game (36.3).
The Panthers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.4, up from 0.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolfpack have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (0.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.4 points per game (5.3 above their season average).