North Carolina vs. UCLA Picks & Predictions

North Carolina Tar Heels (26-9 SU, 18-16-1 ATS) vs. UCLA Bruins (27-7 SU, 18-15-1 ATS)

When: Friday March 25 2022, 9:39 PM PM (ET)

Where: Wells Fargo Center

Point Spread: North Carolina +2.5/UCLA -2.5

Total: 141

Money Line: Tar Heels +115/UCLA -135

(Get the best teaser odds >>>)

Key Injuries

North Carolina
Dawson Garcia: Personal (OUT)
Anthony Harris: Undisclosed (OUT)

UCLA
Jaime Jaquez Jr.: Ankle (QUESTIONABLE)
Mac Etienne: Knee (OUT)

Recent Form

The North Carolina Tar Heels come into this matchup with an overall record of 26-9. On the season, the Tar Heels have performed well in their 13 non-conference games, posting a record of 10-3. Even though North Carolina has played well in non-conference action, they still have a below .500 record at neutral sites. So far, the Tar Heels are 3-4 in these games. Heading into this matchup, the Tar Heels are looking to stay hot, as they try to add on to their current 2 game win streak.

The UCLA Bruins get set to host the Tar Heels with an overall record of 27-7. On the season, the Bruins have performed well in their 11 non-conference games, posting a record of 10-1. In addition to their strong non-conference record, UCLA has a good record at neutral sites. Through 7 games, the Bruins is 5-2. Heading into this matchup, the Bruins are looking to pick up their three straight win.

For the season, the North Carolina Tar Heels are averaging 78.5 points per game, good for a rank of 17th in the NCAA. Defensively, the team is giving up 71.9 points per contest (235th). On the other side, the UCLA Bruins are the 44th ranked scoring offense, averaging 75.7 points per game, while allowing just 64.2

Efficiency Outlook

UCLA enters this matchup vs North Carolina, having played 29 games as the more efficient offense and defensive team. In these contests, they have posted a record of 25-4. Through 34 games, the Bruins are averaging 76.0 points per 70.0 possessions (NCAA Average), compared to 75.0 for the Bruins. In these situations, UCLA has an average scoring margin of 14.0 points. On the other side, the Tar Heels are 1-0 as the inferior team on both ends of the court. In this only instance, they still won by 7 points.

On the season, the Tar Heels have been a balanced scoring unit, with 32.4% of their scoring coming from made three-pointers. Even though UCLA is only near the NCAA average in percentage of points from outside, it is still more than the Bruins. So far, just 27.1% of their points are coming from three-point shots.

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Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Tar Heels are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Tar Heels are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
• Bruins are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 NCAA Tournament games.
• Bruins are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games as a favorite.

Joe’s Free Pick Against the Spread

These teams both possess excellent players that can move them on to the next round, however, one is more battle tested and well-rounded: UCLA! The Bruins win convincingly here and move on to the Elite Eight! Bet your UNC/UCLA pick and ALL your college hoops bets for free this week by taking advantage of a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $300 at MyBookie Sportsbook! (Must use bonus code PREDICT100).