Arkansas vs. UNC Pick
Will No. 1 North Carolina get any resistance when it takes on No. 8 Arkansas today at 6:10PM ET in the second round of the NCAA Tournament?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, North Carolina is favored heavily in this game, as the Tar Heels are getting odds of -10.5 points against the Razorbacks. The over/under total is listed at 162 points. These two met last season in the NCAA Tournament, with UNC picking up an 87-78 win as a 5-point favorite. This game will take part in the South Region and air on TNT from Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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North Carolina made quick work of Texas Southern on Friday, picking up a 103-64 victory to easily cover the 26.5-point spread. The Tar Heels are now 28-7 overall and 17-14-2 against the spread. They now average 84.9 points per game on offense while allowing 70.7 on defense. At neutral sites, the Heels are now averaging 91 per game on offense. In Friday’s win UNC was 38-of-75 from the field while pulling down 54 rebounds as a team. Justin Jackson led the team with 21 points and seven rebounds while Isaiah Hicks added 17 points and six rebounds.
Arkansas is coming off a 77-71 grinder over Seton Hall on Friday to advance to today’s game. The Razorbacks are now 26-9 overall and 18-15 against the spread. They have covered in seven of their last 10 games as well. Arkansas is now averaging 79.7 points per game on offense while giving up 73.9 on defense. Free throws played a big role in Friday’s win, as the Razorbacks were 18-for-23 at the line while Seton Hall was just 13-for-21. Moses Kingsley had 23 points and four blocks to lead Arkansas in the win while Jaylen Barford added 20 points with seven rebounds.
I don’t feel great about UNC giving up 10 points to a legit SEC opponent, but the Heels have so much talent to work with. When UNC is clicking, I am not sure anyone can beat it. The Razorbacks will attempt to pressure the Heels, but I think that will lead to a lot of transition points for UNC instead of turnovers. Arkansas won’t be able to match offense with the Heels and North Carolina should come away with a comfortable win.
MARCH MADNESS PREDICTION: NORTH CAROLINA -10.5