Quick overview of the game
UNC got a wake-up call by losing to a Pitt team that had no hopes of postseason play by dropping a nine-point decision on Feb. 16. After that, the Tar Heels reeled off six wins in their final seven games to earn an eight seed in the NCAA Tournament. Getting to the tournament is a regular occurrence for UNC, which is making its 52nd appearance in the big dance, much like it is for its opponent, Marquette, which also has a strong tournament history.
The Golden Eagles, who are the ninth seed and are making their 34th appearance in the NCAA Tournament, have been reinvigorated by first-year coach Shaka Smart, who has Marquette in the big dance for the first time since 2019. The Golden Eagles bowed out in the first round of the Big East tournament but built a strong resume that featured wins over Illinois, Ole Miss, West Virginia, and Kansas State. March Madness odds show people believe this will be a competitive first-round matchup.
Last games records
Marquette lost 74-63 to Creighton on March 10 in the Big East Tournament. The Golden Eagles were 19-12 this season. UNC lost 72-59 to Virginia Tech in the ACC semifinals on March 11. The Tar Heels have recorded a 24-9 record.
Matchup Information
- 4:30 p.m., Thursday, March 17, 2022
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Dickies Arena
Marquette at North Carolina Betting Analysis
Marquette Betting Analysis
Marquette isn’t a team deep on postseason experience. The Golden Eagles have two players who have played in the NCAA Tournament, but neither went with Marquette. Darryl Morsell went while he was at Maryland and Kur Kuath, who leads the Golden Eagles with 2.5 blocks per game, went to the tournament when he was with Oklahoma. Marquette’s Justin Lewis likely won’t be phased by the big stage.
Lewis led the Golden Eagles by averaging 17.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Morsell is second on the team in scoring, averaging 13.2 points per game. Marquette’s offense was in the top 100 nationally in scoring offense nationally, scoring 74.7 points per game.
The Golden Eagles have been solid on defense, limiting opponents to 40.8 percent shooting from the field, which ranks 45th nationally. Marquette also limits opposing teams to 31.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc. March Madness bets show this type of defense can help teams advance.
North Carolina Betting Analysis
UNC’s teams, even when they are strong, always suffer in perception thanks to having to live up to the brand name. When the Tar Heels struggled early in ACC play, there was a thought that because the league was down UNC could miss the tournament. What the Tar Heels found was they are at their best this year when they play efficiently on offense.
UNC is 28th nationally in scoring offense, averaging 78.6 points per game. The Tar Heels are also 31st nationally in 3-point field goal percentage, knocking down 37.4 percent of their attempts. Armando Bacot leads UNC in scoring and rebounding, contributing 16.5 points and 125 rebounds per game.
The Tar Heels have had a lot of issues on defense this season. UNC allows its opponents to score 72.6 points per game, which ranks 279th nationally. Opponents shoot 34.8 percent from the 3-point line, which ranks 256th.
Team Updates
Neither team has any injuries of note.
- Marquette is 16-14-1 against the spread.
- UNC is 16-16-1 against the spread.
- The total is 15-15-1 in the Golden Eagles’ games.
- The total has gone over in 19 of UNC’s games.
- Marquette is 5-5 against the spread following a loss.
- The Tar Heels are 4-3-1 against the spread following a loss.
Marquette at North Carolina Betting Preview
Sports Betting guides have North Carolina as a 3.5-point favorite. The Tar Heels are -159 on the moneyline, while the Golden Eagles are +133. Betting guides have the over/under set at 152 points.
Marquette at North Carolina Betting Prediction
Few things are better than betting on March Madness when two storied programs are set to clash. Marquette faded down the back half of the season after a strong start under Smart. The Golden Eagles, though, have the tools to beat UNC.
The Tar Heels have been underwhelming throughout much of the season but found its way again down the stretch. UNC’s only loss toward the end of the season was to Virginia Tech in the ACC Tournament, but the Hokies turned out to be a buzzsaw. The Tar Heels resurrected their season but will be no match for an energized Marquette bunch.
Bet the Golden Eagles +3.5.
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