The North Carolina Tar Heels (23-13) are set to face the Ole Miss Rebels (22-11) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET, with television coverage on TNT. What’s the best bet in today’s North Carolina vs. Ole Miss matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
North Carolina Tar Heels (-2) vs. Ole Miss Rebels (+2); o/u 156
4:05 p.m. ET, Friday, March 21, 2025
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
TV: TNT
North Carolina vs. Ole Miss Public Betting: Bettors Love Tar Heels
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 73% of public bettors are currently backing North Carolina when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Team Overviews
North Carolina enters the tournament with momentum, having won nine of their last eleven games. In the ACC Tournament, they secured victories over Notre Dame and Wake Forest before narrowly falling to Duke in the semifinals. The Tar Heels’ offense is potent, averaging 81.2 points per game, ranking 26th nationally. However, their defense allows 74.8 points per game, placing them 263rd in defensive rankings. Key players include junior guard RJ Davis, who leads the team with 17.3 points per game, and freshman guard Elliot Cadeau, contributing 9.5 points and 6.1 assists per game.
Ole Miss finished the season with a 22-11 record, showcasing a balanced approach. The Rebels’ offense averages 77.2 points per game, while their defense allows 71.7 points per game. Senior guard Sean Pedulla is a standout performer, known for his scoring prowess, especially from three-point range, and leadership on the court.
Key Matchup Factors
Perimeter Defense: North Carolina’s ability to defend against Pedulla’s three-point shooting will be crucial. Limiting his impact could disrupt Ole Miss’s offensive rhythm.
Frontcourt Contributions: The performance of North Carolina’s forwards, particularly Jae’Lyn Withers and Ven-Allen Lubin, will be vital. Lubin’s proficiency in pick-and-roll situations and Withers’ versatility, including his three-point shooting, are essential for the Tar Heels’ success.
Game Tempo: North Carolina prefers a high-scoring game, while Ole Miss may aim to control the pace to leverage their defensive strengths. The team that dictates the tempo is likely to gain an advantage.
Betting Odds
According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Bovada.lv, North Carolina is favored by 1.5 points, with the over/under set at 155.5 points. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives the Tar Heels a 56.3% chance of winning.
North Carolina vs. Ole Miss CBB Prediction:
Considering North Carolina’s recent form and offensive capabilities, they have a slight edge in this matchup. However, Ole Miss’s balanced approach and defensive resilience cannot be overlooked.
While it’s tempting to fade the public on this one, I have to go with the hotter squad. The Tar Heels have won eight out of their last 10 games overall and are an even more impressive 9-1 against the spread over that span. The Rebels, meanwhile, are just 5-5 straight up over their last 10 games and are a putrid 2-7-1 ATS over that span. This is a bad opening draw for Ole Miss.
North Carolina vs. Ole Miss Hoops Prediction: NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS -2