The North Carolina Tar Heels, the primary seed, will start their NCAA Event marketing campaign in opposition to the Wagner Seahawks, a sixteenth seed, on Thursday in Charlotte.
Regardless of shedding to NC State within the ACC championship game, the Tar Heels secured a prime seed within the NCAA Event. With R.J. Davis main the staff and averaging 21.4 factors per sport this season, North Carolina appears to be like poised for a robust efficiency in March Insanity.
On Tuesday, Wagner achieved a historic victory by securing their program’s first NCAA Event win. The Seahawks defeated Howard 71-68 within the First 4 sport, with Melvin Council Jr. taking part in an important position within the victory by main the staff with 21 factors.
This season, Council Jr. averaged 14.8 factors per sport, and now, because the staff strikes ahead within the event, they may depend on Council Jr. to proceed his spectacular efficiency and assist them advance in opposition to North Carolina.
In keeping with ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, the North Carolina Tar Heels have a 98.9% likelihood to beat the Wagner Seahawks within the first spherical of the NCAA Event.
IT’S BRACKET MADNESS: Enter USA TODAY’s NCAA tournament bracket contest for a chance at $1 million prize.
Matt Gannon writes: “Wagner actually has nothing to lose. The narrative round this sport might be to fade Wagner after it almost blew a giant lead. Plus, individuals will need to again North Carolina as a result of the Tar Heels needs to be extraordinarily targeted after shedding to NC State within the ACC event. We’ll hear a lot about fading Wagner as a result of it solely has seven gamers and it is drained. Whereas that is true, do we predict Vegas does not know this? Clearly they do, and that is baked into the quantity. That is bait to try to seize the 1-seed and flashy identify, so experience with the underdogs right here.”
Kris Johnson writes: “This one may get ugly. Wagner is counting on a rotation of seven wholesome gamers, and the Seahawks have nobody to match up in opposition to Bacot down low. Anticipate UNC to search out him early and sometimes. The Tar Heels ought to win going away within the second half.”
The North Carolina Tar Heels are favored to defeat the Wagner Seahawks, in response to the BetMGM odds.
Odds as of Wednesday:
Trying to wager? Take a look at the best mobile sports betting apps providing betting promos in 2024.
All video games might be broadcast on CBS, TBS, TNT and TruTV. Listed below are further streaming choices to look at all of the motion in your gadgets.
Easy methods to watch:Catch March Madness with a Fubo subscription
You can find a printable bracket for the men’s tournament here.
A women’s tournament printable bracket is available here.
We sometimes suggest fascinating services and products. In the event you make a purchase order by clicking one of many hyperlinks, we could earn an affiliate price. USA TODAY Community newsrooms function independently, and this doesn’t affect our protection.
Gannett could earn income from sports activities betting operators for viewers referrals to betting companies. Sports activities betting operators haven’t any affect over nor are any such revenues in any means depending on or linked to the newsrooms or information protection. Phrases apply, see operator website for Phrases and Circumstances. In the event you or somebody you realize has a playing downside, assist is out there. Name the Nationwide Council on Drawback Playing 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Should be 21 or older to gamble. Sports activities betting and playing aren’t authorized in all areas. You’ll want to adjust to legal guidelines relevant the place you reside.