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Tar Heels big man Armando Bacot is dealing with an ankle injury but the swelling isn't that bad, per coach Hubert Davis. He'll obviously play tonight. Assuming Bacot (16.3 ppg, 13.1 rpg) can be somewhat effective, I'll back UNC to keep it close and possibly win outright. This should be another fast-paced, high-scoring affair like UNC vs. Duke, with the Tar Heels' ability to grab offensive rebounds (17 vs. Duke) potentially a difference-maker. Look for Leaky Black to limit Ochai Agbaji's production and for Caleb Love to go off yet again.
North Carolina returns to the title game for the third time in six NCAA Tournaments. The Tar Heels will need to avoid a lull early after beating rival Duke on Saturday. With the rhythm that all five UNC starters have right now, I expect the Tar Heels to be fully engaged. I'm grabbing North Carolina to cover a generous four points and hang with the veteran Jayhawks.
I may come back and play North Carolina on the spread (if it gets to +5 I will for sure) and hope to win both ways, but I wonder how close to 100 percent that Heels big man Armando Bacot is due to his ankle injury. X-rays were negative and the double-double machine will play Monday but even a bit limited would crush the Heels.
It could be a letdown for the Tar Heels after beating Duke in coach Mike Krzyzewski's final game, but I see this team reaching its peak at the right moment as it has won 17 of its last 20 contests and covering all five in its NCAA Tournament run as a No. 8 seed. The Tar Heels' stock has gone way up. There is a significant rebounding edge for North Carolina in this game, and also a taller force than the one with which Villanova defended. North Carolina's success comes from forcing a frenzied pace, attacking the defense and winning the rebounding battle. Take UNC.
I think the Tar Heels match up quite well against this Kansas team. The Jayhawks benefited from facing a short-handed Villanova squad. North Carolina has a huge edge in rebounding and free-throw percentage. Kansas shot 53.7 percent from the field and 54.2 percent from 3-point range in beating the Wildcats - both are well above its season averages. Kansas is major fade bait now as a favorite. I like North Carolina plus the points.
Team Injuries





