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UNC is on a 7-4 start to the 2022-23 NCAA Basketball season, eighth in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and currently on a two-game winning streak. They are coming off a big win against the Citadel Bulldogs (100-67) in their previous outing.
UNC will now take on the No.23 Ohio State Buckeyes, who are 7-2 at the start of the season, fourth in the Big Ten Conference, and on a two-game winning streak. They managed a win against the Saint Francis Red Flash (96-59) in their last outing.
The game will be held at Madison Square Garden on Saturday (December 17), a neutral venue for both teams.
UNC vs Ohio State Buckeyes: Betting Odds
The Tar Heels have seven wins and four losses at the start of the season. They suffered these losses against the Iowa State Cyclones (70-65), the No.4 Alabama Crimson Tide (103-101) in overtime, the No.14 Indiana Hoosiers (77-65), and the No.24 Virginia Tech Hokies (80-72). They now have a chance at a neutral venue to get their eighth win of the season.
The team is scoring a brilliant 80.9 points per game, which ranks them 41st in the league. They are a strong offensive unit but their defense is something that has caused them multiple losses. They are conceding 73.5 points per game, which ranks 284th in the league.
The Buckeyes have seven wins and only two losses so far this season. They suffered these losses against teams like the San Diego State Aztecs (88-77) and the No.12 Duke Blue Devils (81-72). The team is scoring a decent 79.0 points per game whereas is conceding only 63.9 points, which ranks 67th in the league.
UNC vs Ohio State Buckeyes: Match Details
Fixture: UNC @ Ohio State Buckeyes
Date & Time: Saturday, December 17, 03:00 p.m ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City
UNC vs Ohio State Buckeyes: Prediction
The Tar Heels are 7-0 against the spread in their last seven games played on a Saturday. They are also 6-1 against the spread in their last seven games after an against-the-spread win. They have a 5-1 lead against the Buckeyes in their last six encounters.
Considering the current form and statistics of both teams, it is fair to say that the competition is almost equal. The neutral venue doesn't give any advantage to either team, which makes this matchup even more interesting. Expect a tight contest tonight.
Final Prediction: UNC -1.5 (-110)
