Overview
Rumors of UNC maybe not being up to form this year may have been greatly exaggerated. The eighth-seeded Tar Heels pounded Marquette in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, scoring 95 points and winning by 32 points. Whatever switch UNC flipped in late February to turn its season around has been paying dividends. But the next round likely won’t be so easy for the Tar Heels.
Baylor, which is the defending national champion, crushed Norfolk State in the first round, limiting the Spartans to 49 points. The Bears didn’t seem to have any signs of a rush after getting upset in the Big 12 Tournament by Oklahoma and having a week off in-between games. Betting on March Madness is always fun when blue blood like UNC is involved. Baylor is hoping to continue its trajectory into a similar stratosphere.
The Bears should be taking on UNC in a friendly environment, as the game will be played in Texas.
Last Games Records
UNC beat Marquette 95-63. The Tar Heels are 25-9. Baylor beat Norfolk State 85-49. The Bears are 25-6.
Matchup Information
UNC at Baylor Betting Analysis
UNC Betting Analysis
The Tar Heels didn’t ride their reputation to a victory over Marquette. UNC overpowered the Eagles. Forward Brady Manek (28 points, 11 rebounds) and Armando Bacot (17 points, 10 rebounds) both recorded double-doubles. UNC also got 23 points from Caleb Love and 12 assists from RJ Davis.
The Tar Heels’ scoring explosion is something UNC has been consistently good at throughout the season. UNC averages 78.6 points per game, which ranks 28th nationally. The Tar Heels also knock down 37.4 percent of their 3-pointers, which is 31st best. The defense will be an area to keep an eye on against Baylor.
The Tar Heels have been vulnerable on defense all season and allow their opponents to shoot 34.8 percent from the outside, which ranks 256th. Opponents also are able to draft UNC into slugfests, as the Tar Heels’ opponents average 72.6 points per game.
Baylor Betting Analysis
Baylor roughed up MEAC champion Norfolk State. The Bears held the Spartans to 22.7 percent (5 of 22) shooting from the 3-point line and building a 16-point lead by halftime. Meanwhile, Baylor shot well from the outside, making 40.7 percent (11 of 27) of its 3-pointers. Baylor guard Matthew Mayer led five Bears in double figures with 22 points.
The Bears have been playing well in the absence of the team’s leading scorer, LJ Cryer. James Akinjo and Adam Flager share the team lead in scoring, both contributing 13.3 points per game The Bears offense as a whole produces 76.8 points per game and wins by an average margin of 13.6 points per game.
Making opposing offense sweat is something Baylor is used to. The Bears limit their opponents to 63.4 points per game, which is 34th best in the nation. From the perimeter, opponents are only shooting 29.2 percent. Betting guides show the Bears have been a tough out all season.
Updates
Neither team has any injuries of note for the game.
- UNC is 17-16-1 against the spread.
- Baylor is 17-15-1 against the spread.
- The total has gone over in 20 of the Tar Heels’ 34 games.
- The total has gone under in 15 of the Bears’ 33 games.
- UNC is 12-12 against the spread following a win.
- Baylor is 14-11-1 against the spread following a win.
UNC at Baylor Betting Preview
March Madness betting odds have Baylor as a 5.5-point favorite. Sports betting guides have the over/under set at 148.5 points.
UNC at Baylor Prediction
March Madness bets can leave gamblers to be victims of recency bias. While UNC has been tremendously through the final month of the season, Baylor has been consistent throughout the season, despite suffering through its fair share of season-ending injuries. Betting guides have shown the Bears have been steadily improving under coach Scott Drew.
The Tar Heels will have a hard time running on the Bears. While Baylor is offensively capable, the Bears are sound in the half-court and have a lot of experience from the national championship run last year. Baylor will find a way to cover the spread and march onto the Sweet 16.
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