North Florida Ospreys vs UNC Asheville Bulldogs NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/17/24

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Ospreys versus the Bulldogs? Tip off is at at 6:30 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Kimmel Arena in Asheville, NC. This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 158.5 points, and UNC Asheville is favored by -2 vs. North Florida.

NORTH FLORIDA OSPREYS VS UNC ASHEVILLE BULLDOGS BETTING PICK

The Pick: UNC Asheville Bulldogs -2

This game will be played at Kimmel Arena at 6:30 ET on Tuesday, December 17th.

WHY BET THE UNC ASHEVILLE BULLDOGS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-69 in favor of the Bulldogs.
• Not only will UNC Asheville pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -2.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 158.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 145 points.

Will North Florida Pull Through as the Underdog Road Team?

North Florida improved to 5-4 on the season with an 89-77 win over UNCG on Saturday. The Ospreys were -1.5 favorites heading into the game and covered the spread with the victory. The total points for the game reached 166, surpassing the O/U line of 148.5.

North Florida took control early, leading 46-32 at halftime. While they scored 43 points in the second half, they allowed 45, letting UNCG close the gap but ultimately securing the win.

North Florida put up 89 points in their last game, shooting 47.8% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range, hitting 12 of 31 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 56.5%, and they connected on 73.3% of their free throws, going 11 for 15 at the line.

Donovan Atwell led the Ospreys with 27 points, hitting 4 threes, while Jaylen Smith added 21 points and 9 assists. Nate Lliteras contributed 20 points, shooting 4 of 7 from beyond the arc, and Josh Harris scored 19 points on 64.3% shooting.

North Florida’s defense gave up 77 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 47% from the field on 33 of 69 attempts. They allowed 21 two-point field goals on 38 attempts, a 55% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, North Florida’s opponents hit 12 of 31 threes, shooting 38%. They also sent the other team to the line 15 times, where they made 11 free throws, shooting 73%. North Florida gave up 12 offensive rebounds.

Can UNC Asheville Deliver Being Favored at Home?

UNC Asheville evened their season record at 4-4 with a 78-61 home win over Western Carolina on Saturday, December 14th. The Bulldogs entered the game as 7-point favorites and covered the spread, though the total points of 139 fell short of the O/U line of 147.

Asheville led 42-33 at halftime and maintained control in the 2nd half, outscoring the Catamounts 36-28 to secure the win.

UNC Asheville put up 78 points in their last game, shooting 52% from the field and posting an effective field goal percentage of 56%. They connected on 56.4% of their two-point attempts (22/39) and hit 36.4% from beyond the arc (4/11). At the free-throw line, they were 22/28, good for 78.6%.

Josh Banks led the way with 21 points, shooting 69.2% overall (9/13) and 50% from deep (1/2). Jordan Marsh added 18 points, hitting 2 of 3 from three-point range, and dished out 4 assists. Marcus Kell was perfect from three, going 2/2, and finished with 11 points on 66.7% shooting (4/6).

Despite UNC Asheville’s defensive struggles, they managed to hold their opponent to 61 points. The Bulldogs allowed 52% shooting from the field, with 56% on two-point attempts (22/39).

From beyond the arc, the opponent shot 36%, hitting 4 of 11 three-pointers. UNC Asheville also sent them to the free-throw line 28 times, where they converted 22 attempts (78%). The Bulldogs gave up 5 offensive rebounds.