Miami vs NC State Odds
| Miami Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -110 | 154.5 -110o / -110u | +145 |
| NC State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -110 | 154.5 -110o / -110u | -175 |
We're heading back to the ACC for a matchup between two teams firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble. The home team, the NC State Wolf Pack, is 13-7, while the Miami Hurricanes are 14-6.
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Miami Hurricanes
After making the Final Four last year, the Canes have dealt with an uneven season, featuring injuries and inconsistent on-court play. Norchad Omier missed some games, Matthew Cleveland has missed games (and could miss this one), and Wooga Poplar and Nijel Pack have also missed time. That's four of five starters that have missed multiple games this season. Generating consistency is difficult when different faces are in the lineup in each game.
When healthy, Miami's offense is amongst the best in college hoops, ranking 39th in offensive efficiency. The biggest strength in Miami's game is shooting the ball from downtown as the Canes hit 39% of their 3s.
Miami plays fast and hits shots from deep. That's the team's DNA, and it's a tough style to stop when the shots fall.
People don't discuss Omier in the same class as other ACC bigs, but that's a total oversight. Omier is enjoying a career year, averaging 18 points and nine rebounds per contest, leading Miami in both categories.
Omier is awesome, but Miami needs consistent play from Poplar and Pack to win. Both average over 14 points and shoot over 40% from deep. That's the key for Miami winning big ACC games and getting back on the right side of the bubble.
The Canes defense is probably a lost cause at this point. It wasn't good last year or the year before, and it's not good this year either. Miami ranks a ghastly 112th in defensive efficiency. The good thing? Miami has allowed 1.07 points per possession or fewer in three consecutive games. That's pretty poor for some teams, but it's good enough for Miami to win games.
If both teams have their way, this will be a total track meet.
NC State Wolfpack
Last year, NC State relied on two dominant scoring guards — Terquavion Smith and Jarkel Joiner. Now, the Wolf Pack are more of a defensive-oriented team. NC State ranks 54th in defensive efficiency, compared to 100th in offensive efficiency.
The Wolf Pack don't really have any good shooters outside of DJ Horne, who's shooting 41% from 3. Other starters, like Jayden Taylor, Casey Morsell and Dennis Parker, all shoot 33% or below from 3. With the up-tempo style coach Kevin Keatts plays, that lack of shooting is a total disaster. NC State will have plenty of chances to score on Miami's lousy defense, but it's rough if the shooters can't capitalize.
DJ Burns is another guy NC State could use more from. In the past three games, Burns has shot less than 40% from the floor. Burns needs to be the guy on offense when the guards aren't scoring. If that isn't happening, the offense struggles mightily.
Miami vs. NC State
Betting Pick & Prediction
I'm rolling with the Canes, even if Cleveland is out. Of course, missing a key starter is notable, but Kyshawn George is good enough to step in and make some shots. I think Miami's in a good spot against a team I don't think highly of. Roll with Miami, plus the points.
