Pittsburgh Panthers vs
North Carolina Tar HeelsPredictions & Preview

Pittsburgh Panthers Ready to Take on North Carolina Tar Heels in Crucial ACC Showdown at Dean E. Smith Center

The Pittsburgh Panthers are set to face the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Dean E. Smith Center in a significant ACC matchup. Previously, Pitt secured a home victory over UNC, showcasing their ability to compete against the Tar Heels. Despite being the underdogs, the Panthers have historically performed well on the road against North Carolina, winning three of their last four matchups. North Carolina is favored to win this game with a current line of -4.5, making it an intriguing matchup to watch.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Panthers +165 | Tar Heels -199
• Spread: Panthers +4.5 (-110) | Tar Heels -4.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 153 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that North Carolina will win straight-up is 67%.

Pittsburgh vs North Carolina Stats

Pittsburgh Panthers

The Pittsburgh Panthers are currently on a two-game losing streak, most recently falling to Virginia with a subpar shooting performance. Despite this setback, they have shown strength in free throw shooting and have key players such as Jaland Lowe leading the team. The Panthers will need to focus on maintaining offensive efficiency, particularly from three-point range, and improving their defense as they look to bounce back from recent losses. In terms of statistics, Pittsburgh is ranked 64th in offense, 160th in defense, and has a record of 14-8 this season. Their shooting percentages and assist-turnover ratio are also outlined in detail.

North Carolina Tar Heels Analysis

The North Carolina Tar Heels are looking to bounce back from recent struggles, including a 87-70 loss to Duke and inconsistent shooting and turnover issues. RJ Davis leads the offense, averaging 17.3 points per game. The Tar Heels have struggled in close games, playing 11 within five points in the final minutes. Their power ranking is 252, with a #36 offense and #309 defense. They average 81.17 points per game and allow 76.70 points per game. North Carolina hits 46.92% of field goals, 74.95% of free throws, and 32.30% of three pointers. They average 37.48 rebounds and 14.30 assists per game. Defensively, they allow 42.75% of field goals, 74.77% of free throws, and 33.33% of three pointers. They average 35.00 defensive rebounds and 13.22 defensive assists, with 11.04 turnovers per game. In their last three matchups against Pittsburgh, North Carolina is 7-15-1 ATS.

UNC Falters Against Duke, Pittsburgh Poised for Victory in Rivalry Matchup

Although Duke's team is full of talent, UNC missed a key opportunity to shine during the rivalry game last Saturday. The Tar Heels appeared lackluster in their performance and after reflecting on their loss for a week, there are concerns about their ability to handle pressure in their upcoming home game. Conversely, Pittsburgh has a history of success at the Smith Center and has recently emerged victorious in head-to-head matchups against UNC. The Panthers have demonstrated their capability to secure wins, as evidenced by their impressive 14-2 run to close out their previous meeting with UNC. Pittsburgh's proficiency in free-throw shooting, coupled with UNC's struggles in close games, suggests that betting on Pittsburgh with the points is a wise decision for this matchup.

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