NCAA A.I. Predictions for 11-8-24

North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Kansas Jayhawks

• Date and Time: Friday, November 8, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET
• Location: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas
• Broadcast: ESPN2
• Betting Odds:
  • Spread: Kansas -7.5
  • Total Points (Over/Under): 159.5
  • Moneyline: Kansas -350, North Carolina +260

Team Overviews:

• Kansas Jayhawks (1-0):

  • Offense: In their season opener, Kansas defeated Howard 87-57, showcasing a balanced attack with nine players scoring five or more points.
     
  • Defense: The Jayhawks held Howard to 57 points, indicating a strong defensive performance.
  • Key Players: Guard Zeke Mayo led with 19 points off the bench, and center Hunter Dickinson contributed 16 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
     

• North Carolina Tar Heels (1-0):

  • Offense: North Carolina secured a 90-76 victory over Elon, with guard RJ Davis scoring a game-high 24 points.
     
  • Defense: The Tar Heels allowed 76 points to Elon, suggesting areas for improvement on the defensive end.
  • Key Players: Forward Jae’Lyn Withers recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
     

Analysis:

• Offensive Matchup: Kansas demonstrated depth in scoring during their opener, with multiple players contributing significantly. North Carolina's offense was led by RJ Davis, but the team showed some defensive vulnerabilities against Elon.

• Defensive Matchup: Kansas' defense was effective in limiting Howard's scoring opportunities. In contrast, North Carolina's defense allowed a higher point total against a less formidable opponent, indicating potential challenges against Kansas' balanced offense.

• Home-Court Advantage: Playing at Allen Fieldhouse provides Kansas with a significant home-court advantage, known for its energetic atmosphere and support.

Prediction:

Considering Kansas' balanced offensive performance, strong defensive showing, and the advantage of playing at home, they are positioned favorably for this matchup. North Carolina's defensive lapses in their opener could be a concern against Kansas' depth.

Projected Final Score: Kansas 92, North Carolina 83

This prediction aligns with expert analyses, suggesting Kansas will cover the spread and the game will surpass the over/under total points.

Key Factors:

• Kansas' Depth: The Jayhawks' ability to have multiple players contribute offensively makes them a challenging opponent.

• North Carolina's Defense: The Tar Heels need to address defensive issues to contain Kansas' scoring.

• Home-Court Influence: The environment at Allen Fieldhouse is likely to energize Kansas and pose an additional challenge for North Carolina.

Overall, Kansas' balanced attack and home-court advantage make them the favorites in this early-season marquee matchup.

Army Black Knights vs. Duke Blue Devils

• Date and Time: Friday, November 8, 2024, at 6:00 PM ET
• Location: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, North Carolina
• Broadcast: ACC Network
• Betting Odds:
  • Spread: Duke -33.5
  • Total Points (Over/Under): 142.5
     

Team Overviews:

• Duke Blue Devils (1-0):

  • Offense: In their season opener, Duke secured a commanding 96-62 victory over Maine. Freshman guard Kon Knueppel led the team with 22 points, contributing to a balanced scoring effort.
  • Defense: The Blue Devils limited Maine to 62 points, showcasing a solid defensive performance.
  • Key Players: Alongside Knueppel, other contributors included Cooper Flagg and Tyrese Proctor, who are expected to play significant roles this season.
     

• Army Black Knights (1-0):

  • Offense: Army began their season with a 67-59 win over Albany. Sophomore guard Josh Scovens led the team with 22 points, while senior guard Jalen Rucker added 12 points.
  • Defense: The Black Knights held Albany to 59 points, indicating a strong defensive effort.
  • Key Players: Scovens and Rucker are pivotal to Army's offensive strategy, with Scovens returning to his home state for this matchup.

Analysis:

• Offensive Matchup: Duke's high-powered offense, featuring multiple scoring threats, poses a significant challenge for Army. The Blue Devils' depth and versatility allow them to exploit defensive mismatches.

• Defensive Matchup: While Army demonstrated defensive resilience against Albany, containing Duke's dynamic offense will be a formidable task. Duke's defensive capabilities are also robust, potentially limiting Army's scoring opportunities.

• Home-Court Advantage: Playing at Cameron Indoor Stadium provides Duke with a substantial home-court advantage, known for its intense atmosphere and supportive crowd.

Prediction:

Considering Duke's offensive firepower, defensive solidity, and the advantage of playing at home, they are heavily favored in this matchup. Army's commendable start to the season is unlikely to suffice against Duke's superior talent and depth.

Projected Final Score: Duke 88, Army 54

Key Factors:

• Duke's Depth: The Blue Devils' ability to distribute scoring across multiple players makes them difficult to defend.

• Army's Challenge: The Black Knights will need exceptional performances from Scovens and Rucker to remain competitive.

• Home-Court Influence: The environment at Cameron Indoor Stadium is expected to energize Duke and present additional challenges for Army.

Overall, Duke's comprehensive strengths and home-court advantage position them as the clear favorites in this contest.

Northern Kentucky Norse vs. Purdue Boilermakers

• Date and Time: Friday, November 8, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET
• Location: Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, Indiana
• Broadcast: B1G+
• Betting Odds:
  • Spread: Purdue -20.5
  • Total Points (Over/Under): 146.5
     

Team Overviews:

• Purdue Boilermakers (1-0):

  • Offense: In their season opener, Purdue secured a 90-73 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The Boilermakers showcased a balanced attack, with multiple players contributing significantly.
  • Defense: While Purdue allowed 73 points, they maintained a comfortable lead throughout the game, indicating a solid defensive performance.
  • Key Players: Guard Braden Smith set a program record with 15 assists, highlighting his playmaking abilities. Forward Trey Kaufman-Renn added 15 points and 9 rebounds, demonstrating his versatility.

• Northern Kentucky Norse (0-1):

  • Offense: Northern Kentucky opened their season with a 74-62 loss to Florida State. Guard Josh Dilling led the team with 18 points, while guard Randall Pettus II contributed 12 points off the bench.
  • Defense: The Norse struggled defensively, allowing Florida State to score 74 points and capitalizing on 22 turnovers committed by Northern Kentucky.
  • Key Players: Dilling and Pettus II were the primary offensive contributors in the opener. Forward Trey Robinson added 5 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, showcasing his all-around game.

Analysis:

• Offensive Matchup: Purdue's balanced scoring and efficient ball movement, as evidenced by Smith's record-setting assists, present a significant challenge for Northern Kentucky's defense. The Norse will need to improve their ball security to prevent Purdue from exploiting turnovers.

• Defensive Matchup: Purdue's defense will aim to contain Dilling and Pettus II, Northern Kentucky's leading scorers. The Boilermakers' ability to force turnovers could disrupt the Norse's offensive rhythm.

• Home-Court Advantage: Playing at Mackey Arena provides Purdue with a substantial home-court advantage, known for its energetic atmosphere and supportive crowd.

Prediction:

Considering Purdue's balanced offensive performance, strong playmaking, and the advantage of playing at home, they are positioned favorably for this matchup. Northern Kentucky's turnover issues and defensive lapses in their opener could be a concern against Purdue's depth.

Projected Final Score: Purdue 85, Northern Kentucky 65

Key Factors:

• Purdue's Playmaking: Smith's ability to distribute the ball effectively enhances Purdue's offensive efficiency.

• Northern Kentucky's Turnovers: The Norse must address their turnover issues to remain competitive.

• Home-Court Influence: The environment at Mackey Arena is likely to energize Purdue and pose an additional challenge for Northern Kentucky.

Overall, Purdue's balanced attack and home-court advantage make them the favorites in this early-season matchup.

Morehead State Eagles vs. Cincinnati Bearcats**

Game Details:

• Location: Fifth Third Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Time: Friday, November 8, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET
• Broadcast: ESPN+
• Current Spread: Cincinnati favored by 28.5 points
• Total Points (Over/Under): 142.5 points

Team Overviews:

Cincinnati Bearcats:

• Record: 1-0
• Offensive Performance: In their season opener, the Bearcats dominated Arkansas-Pine Bluff with a 109-54 victory. They showcased efficient shooting, including 12 three-pointers, and distributed the ball effectively with 27 assists.
• Defensive Performance: Cincinnati's defense was formidable, limiting their opponent to 54 points and forcing numerous turnovers. Their ability to disrupt offensive plays was evident throughout the game.
• Key Players: Simas Lukosius led with 20 points, shooting 80% from the field. Dan Skillings Jr. contributed a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Jizzle James added 12 points and an impressive 10 assists.

Morehead State Eagles:

• Record: 1-1
• Offensive Performance: The Eagles faced a tough loss against Louisville, scoring only 45 points. They rebounded with an 89-48 win over Boyce, indicating potential against lower-tier competition.
• Defensive Performance: Morehead State struggled defensively against higher-tier teams, allowing 93 points to Louisville. Their defense was more effective against Boyce, but consistency remains a concern.
• Key Players: Kenny White, a 6'7" wing, is a notable scorer. Dieonte Miles, a 6'10" center, adds size and presence in the paint.
   

Analysis:

• Offensive Edge: Cincinnati's offense is firing on all cylinders, as evidenced by their 109-point performance in the opener. Their depth and ball movement present challenges for Morehead State's defense.
• Defensive Edge: The Bearcats' ability to limit opponents and force turnovers gives them a significant advantage, especially against a Morehead State team that has shown vulnerability against stronger opponents.
• Home-Court Advantage: Playing at Fifth Third Arena provides Cincinnati with a familiar environment and supportive crowd, enhancing their performance potential.
• Team Trends: Cincinnati is 8-1 all-time against Morehead State, indicating historical dominance in this matchup.

Prediction:

Considering Cincinnati's offensive firepower, defensive prowess, and home-court advantage, they are poised to control the game. Morehead State may struggle to keep pace, especially given their recent performance against top-tier teams.

Final Score Prediction: Cincinnati 95, Morehead State 60

This prediction reflects Cincinnati's superior capabilities and the challenges Morehead State faces in this matchup.

George Mason Patriots vs. No. 18 Marquette Golden Eagles

Game Details:

• Location: Al McGuire Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Time: Friday, November 8, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET
• Broadcast: Peacock
• Current Spread: Marquette favored by 12.5 points
• Total Points (Over/Under): 149.5 points

Team Overviews:

Marquette Golden Eagles:

• Record: 1-0
• Offensive Performance: Marquette opened their season with a commanding 102-62 victory over Stony Brook. Senior guard Kam Jones led the team with 32 points, shooting an impressive 14 of 16 from the field. The team showcased depth, with Chase Ross contributing 23 points and David Joplin adding 13 points and seven rebounds.
• Defensive Performance: The Golden Eagles demonstrated strong defensive capabilities, limiting Stony Brook to 62 points and forcing multiple turnovers, indicating a cohesive defensive strategy.
• Key Players: Kam Jones, a senior guard, is a pivotal offensive force. Chase Ross and David Joplin provide additional scoring options, contributing to the team's balanced attack.

George Mason Patriots:

• Record: 1-0
• Offensive Performance: The Patriots secured a 75-58 win over North Carolina Central in their season opener. Senior guard Darius Maddox led with 17 points, while senior forward Jalen Haynes and junior guard Brayden O'Connor each added 11 points.
• Defensive Performance: George Mason's defense was effective, holding NC Central to 28.1% shooting and dominating the rebounding battle with a 48-28 advantage. Their defensive intensity was evident, particularly in the first half.
• Key Players: Darius Maddox is a key offensive contributor, with Jalen Haynes providing strength in the paint. Jared Billups adds versatility, contributing in scoring, rebounding, and defense.

Analysis:

• Offensive Edge: Marquette's high-scoring offense, as demonstrated in their opener, presents a significant challenge for George Mason's defense. The Golden Eagles' ability to score from multiple positions and maintain a high tempo could test the Patriots' defensive schemes.
• Defensive Edge: Both teams have shown strong defensive performances; however, Marquette's experience and depth may provide them with a slight advantage in disrupting George Mason's offensive flow.
• Home-Court Advantage: Playing at the Al McGuire Center offers Marquette a familiar environment and supportive crowd, potentially enhancing their performance.
• Team Trends: Marquette has a history of strong starts to the season and has maintained a high level of play against non-conference opponents. George Mason, while competitive, faces a significant step up in competition against a ranked opponent.

Prediction:

Considering Marquette's offensive firepower, defensive capabilities, and home-court advantage, they are poised to control the game. George Mason may find it challenging to keep pace with the Golden Eagles' tempo and scoring efficiency.

Final Score Prediction: Marquette 85, George Mason 70

This prediction reflects Marquette's superior capabilities and the challenges George Mason faces in this matchup.