The PK80 did not end the way UNC would have liked, as Michigan State thumped the Tar Heels 63-45. Those 45 points were the second-fewest a Roy Williams-led UNC squad has ever scored, while the team shot just 24.6 percent from the floor and 5.6 percent from three-point territory – both program worsts. After a few days to get their heads straight, UNC plays host to the 6-1 Michigan Wolverines on Wednesday.
Aside from the poor scoring performance, UNC was also dominated on the boards, as the Tar Heels allowed the Spartans to pick up 52 rebounds. Though the bigs struggled to get second chances down low, the guard tandem of Joel Berry II and Kenny Williams really needs to bounce back, with the upperclassmen shooting a combined 3-for-18 with five assists and five turnovers in the last game.
This might be worrisome against a Michigan team that emphasizes defense. The Wolverines are holding opponents to 60.1 ppg and a 42.8 shooting percentage. Kentucky transfer Charles Matthews has immediately stepped into a lead role for Michigan with a team-leading 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The North Carolina Tar Heels were listed as 9-point favorites at most sportsbooks tracked by OddsShark earlier in the day. It opened first at Sportsbook, where the OVER/UNDER betting odds total was expected shortly.
Michigan Wolverines vs North Carolina Tar Heels Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The North Carolina Tar Heels are 5-1 so far on the season, and 3-2 vs the number. The Michigan Wolverines, meanwhile, are 6-1 and 3-3 ATS. OVER/UNDER bettors have seen North Carolina go 3-2 and the Wolverines go 2-4 on betting totals.
The OddsShark Power Rankings have the Tar Heels at No. 20 and the Wolverines at No. 28 heading into this college basketball betting matchup.
Statistical Matchup
Rebounding is always a key handicapping betting consideration and Michigan is ranked No. 227 in NCAA basketball at 33.57 per game. Contrast that with North Carolina's No. 13 mark in the paint. When it comes to three-point shooting, North Carolina is the No. 167-ranked team in the country at 7 per game, while Michigan rates No. 49 at 9.43 per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Michigan cruised to victory on Sunday, running UC Riverside out of the gym and running up a 87-42 score at Crisler Center.
The Tar Heels got 16 points from Theo Pinson, but it was Michigan State that prevailed in a 63-45 final on Sunday at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter.
Next Betting Matchups
Michigan home to Indiana, Saturday, December 2
North Carolina at Davidson, Friday, December 1