Miami vs North Carolina Prediction 3/1/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Miami vs North Carolina prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, March 1st at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Miami Hurricanes Betting Preview

The Miami Hurricanes are 6-22 (2-15) this year after they lost to Duke by a score of 97-60 in their last game. Miami trailed 47-32 at halftime and allowed 50 more points in the second half in the blowout loss. The Hurricanes shot 39.1% from the field, 20% on three pointers, and 100% on free throws in the game. Lynn Kidd led Miami with 17 points and three rebounds, while Jalil Bethea added 13 points and two assists in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Hurricanes lost to Virginia Tech by a score of 81-68 and Florida State by a score of 74-66. Miami has lost four games in a row and they are currently last in the ACC standings with a 2-15 record. Miami has scored 74.1 points per game and they have allowed 80.3 points against per game, while also averaging 31.8 rebounds and 13.0 assists per game this season. Lynn Kidd is averaging 11.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, while Brandon Johnson is averaging 7.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game this year. Miami is shooting 46.1% from the field, 77.1% on free throws, and 31.5% on three pointers this season. 

North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Preview

The North Carolina Tar Heels are 18-11 (11-6) this season after they defeated Florida State by a score of 96-85 in their last game. North Carolina led 49-43 at halftime and added 47 points in the second half to pull away with the win. The Tar Heels shot 55.2% from the field, 38.5% on three pointers, and 71% on free throws in the game. RJ Davis led North Carolina with 20 points and five assists, while Seth Trimble added 17 points and two rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Tar Heels defeated Virginia by a score of 81-66 and NC State by a score of 97-73. North Carolina has won four games in a row and they are currently tied for fifth in the ACC standings with an 11-6 record. North Carolina has scored 81.4 points per game and they have allowed 76.6 points against per game, while also averaging 36.7 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game this season. RJ Davis is averaging 17.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, while Ian Jackson is averaging 13.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game this year. North Carolina is shooting 47.6% from the field, 73.8% on free throws, and 34% on three pointers this season. 

Why North Carolina will beat Miami 

• Miami (FL) has lost each of its last 10 day games against Conference opponents.
• North Carolina has won 22 of its last 23 day games at Dean E. Smith Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Miami (FL) has lost the first half in each of its last four day games against the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Nine of North Carolina’s last 10 day games against the Atlantic Coast Conference have produced a total of 159 or fewer points.
• Each of Miami (FL)’s last four games have produced a total of 157 or fewer points.

Miami vs North Carolina Prediction 

North Carolina comes into this contest after winning four games in a row and they are trying to stay on the NCAA Tournament bubble, but they have to avoid a bad loss here. The Tar Heels have scored 81+ points in four straight games, which has covered up for some questionable defense. Miami has lost four games in a row and they only have two conference wins on the season. The Hurricanes are allowing over 80 points against per game and they just allowed 97 against Duke last time out. This Miami team has shown very little fight on the defensive end of the court, but I also don’t love the UNC defense at all. I think we are going to see plenty of points in this game, so take the over here.