Notre Dame’s season has been plagued by key injuries that led to the team losing seven straight through January and February. However, Notre Dame has gotten a key contributor back in Matt Farrell recently – helping the team pick up back-to-back wins. And though the Fighting Irish face an uphill battle against North Carolina on Monday, the Tar Heels will play their third game in five days when they take the court in Chapel Hill.
Since his return to the lineup just three games ago, Farrell is averaging 24.3 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 48.3 percent from beyond the arc. The offensive firepower has been critical for a team that ranks 108th in the nation in points per game. Though the Irish are starting to turn the corner, they have still yet to find any sort of consistency away from home with the team losing four straight on the road.
UNC’s grueling stretch is a rarity, as the last time the Tar Heels played three regular-season games in five days came in 1980. Roy Williams’ squad showed no signs of wearing down during its most recent outing Saturday, as UNC shot an absurd 78.1 percent from the floor during the second half vs NC State. Defensively, the Tar Heels have been weak recently but their high-powered offense has bailed them out. You need to wonder if the offense can continue to push the team despite the tough stretch of games.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish were listed as 10.5-point underdogs at many online sportsbooks, including the oddsmakers at Sportsbook.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs North Carolina Tar Heels Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The North Carolina Tar Heels are 19-7 so far on the season, and 14-10-1 vs the number. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, meanwhile, are 15-10 and 9-13 ATS. OVER/UNDER bettors have seen North Carolina go 14-10-1 and Notre Dame go 11-11 on betting totals.
The OddsShark Power Rankings have the Tar Heels at No. 37 and the Fighting Irish at No. 108 heading into this college basketball betting matchup.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to rebounds, the visiting Notre Dame Fighting Irish rank No. 101 in NCAA Basketball Division 1 with 36.44 per game. That compares with North Carolina’s No. 1 ranking in that category. The story is different when it comes to three-point shooting where North Carolina is college basketball's No. 95-ranked team at 8.23 treys per game, while Notre Dame rates No. 70 with 8.64 per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Notre Dame earned a 84-69 victory over Florida State on Saturday, getting 28 points from Matt Farrell at Joyce Center.
Luke Maye went off for 33 points and added 17 rebounds for good measure, leading North Carolina to a 96-89 win over North Carolina State on Saturday at PNC Arena.
Next Betting Matchups
Notre Dame at Boston College, Saturday, February 17
North Carolina at Louisville, Saturday, February 17