East Carolina vs North Carolina Prediction 12/22/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate an East Carolina vs North Carolina prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, December 22nd at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

East Carolina Pirates Betting Preview

The East Carolina Pirates are 5-7 this season after they defeated Presbyterian by a score of 74-53 in their last game. East Carolina led 38-23 at halftime and was able to maintain that lead in the second half for the win. The Pirates shot 55% from the field, 33% on three pointers, and 85% on free throws in the game. Jordan Riley led East Carolina with 24 points and four rebounds, while Giovanni Emejuru added 21 points and seven rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, East Carolina defeated Buffalo by a score of 73-70, but lost to Appalachian State by a score of 67-54 before that. The Pirates have scored 68.4 points per game with 35.8 rebounds and 10.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 74.3 points against per game this season. Jordan Riley is averaging 21.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, while Giovanni Emejuru is averaging 13.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game for the Pirates. East Carolina is shooting 40.7% from the field, 71.2% on free throws, and 25.9% on three pointers this season. 

North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Preview

The North Carolina Tar Heels are 11-1 this year after they defeated Ohio State by a score of 71-70 in their last game. North Carolina led 34-31 at halftime and was in control for much of the second half, but they collapsed late, before scoring with a few seconds left for the win. The Tar Heels shot 44% from the field, 30% on three pointers, and 54% on free throws in the game. Caleb Wilson led North Carolina with 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Henri Veesaar added 17 points and 10 rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, North Carolina defeated East Tennessee State by a score of 77-58 and SC Upstate by a score of 80-62. The Tar Heels have scored 79.9 points per game with 41.8 rebounds and 17.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 64.6 points against per game this season. Caleb Wilson is averaging 19.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, while Henri Veesaar is averaging 16.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game for the Tar Heels. North Carolina is shooting 47.0% from the field, 68.9% on free throws, and 32.5% on three pointers this year. 

Why the North Carolina Tar Heels will win

• North Carolina has won each of its last 13 night games at Dean E. Smith Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• East Carolina has lost each of its last three road games against non-Conference opponents.
• East Carolina has lost the first half in three of its last four games against non-Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of North Carolina’s last six games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.
• Each of East Carolina’s last four night games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.

East Carolina vs North Carolina Prediction 

North Carolina comes into this matchup with an 11-1 record to start the season, but they nearly lost to a very average OSU team over the weekend. The Tar Heels are shooting 47% from the field and they have allowed 64 points or fewer in four of their last five. East Carolina is 0-2 on the road and they have split their last four games. The Pirates are shooting 41% from the field and they have allowed 67 points or fewer in three of their last five. I don’t think we will see a ton of points in this game, as UNC is playing with a slower pace this year, so take the under here.

David Racey's Pick: Under 144.5