2024 NCAA event: Predictions, picks, odds for North Carolina vs. Wagner sport – USA TODAY

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.
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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.
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You can find a printable bracket for the men’s tournament here.
A women’s tournament printable bracket is available here.
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