Prediction: Bet North Carolina to cover
- Over/Under: North Carolina vs UCONN (153)
- Spread: UCONN -5.5
- Pick: Bet North Carolina to cover
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Game preview North Carolina vs UCONN
The UConn Huskies suffered their first-season loss last week at Kansas, but they look to return to their winning ways against a tough North Carolina Tar Heels team in the Jimmy V Classic. The Tar Heels have been better than expected, and the Huskies are what was expected; this is a top-ten matchup that will deliver fireworks.
UConn made an admirable effort in Lawrence against an excellent Jayhawk program, which rarely loses in their home stadium.
Although UConn couldn’t capture a win (or cover the spread), they still demonstrated they are among the elite teams in college basketball. Even being able to challenge Kansas under such intense pressure should be enough for praise.
Donovan Clingan had one of his less impressive performances this season on offense, scoring only eight points against All-American Hunter Dickinson’s defense.
UConn was lifted by Tristen Newton’s breakthrough season. Last season, Newton served mainly as a complimentary scorer, failing to hit double figures in 22 out of 39 games played.
This season, his role was expected to remain similar, with five-star freshman Stephon Castle joining the lineup. Unfortunately for Castle, he has been sidelined from playing time due to injury. Newton has taken full advantage of this situation, averaging 17.5 points per game while scoring 31 against Kansas defensive pressure! Newton kept the Huskies competitive throughout.
UConn currently faces its biggest challenge – depth. Dan Hurley can rely on four or five players before having to rely on less-than-stellar talent from younger, lesser-known teams for contributions.
Allen Fieldhouse serves as a good barometer of players at this point in time. Hurley only used seven players, yet four scored 55 of the Huskies’ 65 points in that contest.
Keep an eye on bench production on Tuesday.
Will the Tar Heels pull off the upset?
Carolina fans must be thrilled with Hubert Davis and company this season. Carolina is playing fast, scoring big points and hasn’t dropped a regulation game (only losing in overtime to Villanova).
This season’s roster features talent from diverse sources. RJ Davis and Armando Bacot, veterans of over 249 games between them in Carolina blue, start alongside transfers Harrison Ingram and Cormac Ryan, along with freshman guard Elliot Cadeau.
Cadeau’s development is the critical factor to UNC’s success this season. After starting slowly against low-major opponents with eight turnovers in three games against them, he quickly recovered with two total turnovers over his next five contests.
He’s demonstrated an ability to produce when needed (15 points against Northern Iowa) or create. In one game against Tennessee – though he didn’t score himself – his ten assists were instrumental in sparking an offensive explosion that saw the Heels score 60+ by halftime and 100 by game’s end.
North Carolina ranks among the most experienced teams nationally when measured by total games played but lacks cohesiveness on defense where it needs to improve if it wants to become one of the premier squads in college basketball.
Our Betting Pick for Today – Bet North Carolina to cover
This should be a great basketball game; the spread at -5.5 is too much to give here. This game is a toss up and while I would lean slightly to UCONN winning the game, I will take UNC and the points. UCONN 79 North Carolina 75.
Tip:
North Carolina to Cover
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