North Carolina Tar Heels vs Baylor Bears - Prediction, Preview, and Odds

When: Saturday, March 19th, 2022 at 12:00pm E.T.

Where: Dickies Arena, Forth Worth, TX.

How: CBS.

Spread: Bears -5.5.

Total: 148.5.

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Game Spotlight

Both teams rolled in their openers as the Baylor Bears completely dominated Norfolk State, while on the same court the North Carolina Tar Heels shit kicked Marquette. The traditional blue blood Tar Heels will be seeking a big upset of the newer powerhouse Baylor.

What I will say right off the top here is that North Carolina has not been a consistent shooting team at any point this season. When the outside shots are tough to come by, this team is average and a good team can easily dispatch them.

Enter Baylor. The thing for me here that gets Baylor the BB tag is the defense they play. They are aggressive on the ball, will be all over shooters, and chances are good North Carolina will be trying to make contested shots over physical plays… not a good situation for them.

While UNC is always a leading team on the glass, they face a team in Baylor that are monsters on the offensive board, turning missed shots into easier opportunities near the rim. If Baylor is able to work the offensive glass, this game will get ugly.

Final Say

End analysis… Heels got a big win for first year head coach Hubert Davis in the tournament opener, and by looking so good doing that, it has suppressed this line and made Baylor a big value. First #1 seed with the chance, glides into the Sweet 16 with nominal resistance. BAYLOR 79 North Carolina 65.

Pick: Baylor Bears -5.5