North Carolina State Wolfpack vs Kansas Jayhawks NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/14/24
Planning on watching today’s Wolfpack and Jayhawks game? Catch the action at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, KS, as the Jayhawks hosts this showdown at 3:15 ET on ESPN. The over/under for this game is set at 145.5 points, and Kansas is favored by -14 against North Carolina State in a non-conference matchup.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE WOLFPACK VS KANSAS JAYHAWKS BETTING PICK
The Pick: North Carolina State Wolfpack +14
This game will be played at Allen Fieldhouse at 3:15 ET on Saturday, December 14th.
WHY BET THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE WOLFPACK:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-71 in favor of the Jayhawks.
- Even though we have Kansas winning straight-up, we like North Carolina State at +14.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 145.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Is A Road Victory Likely for Underdog North Carolina State?
North Carolina State improved to 7-3 on the season with a 66-56 win over Coppin State on Tuesday. The Wolfpack were heavy favorites at -32.5 but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 122 fell short of the 136.5 O/U line.
NC State led 35-28 at halftime and maintained control in the second half, outscoring Coppin State 31-28.
NC State struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 36.7% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.7%, and they managed only 8 assists as a team.
Dontrez Styles hit 3 of 5 threes, finishing with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Marcus Hill led the Wolfpack with 16 points, while Peter Oduro was efficient, shooting 71.4% and adding 11 points.
North Carolina State’s defense was strong, holding their opponent to just 56 points on 36% shooting from the field. They limited two-point opportunities, with the other team making only 16 of 42 attempts for 38%.
From beyond the arc, NC State’s defense allowed 6 threes on 18 attempts, a 33% shooting rate. They also sent the opponent to the free-throw line 24 times, where they converted 16 for 66%. NC State gave up 16 offensive rebounds.
Is A Home Victory Likely for the Favored Jayhawks?
Kansas fell to 7-2 on the season after a 76-67 loss to Missouri on Sunday. The Jayhawks, who were -6.5 favorites, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 143, which was under the O/U line of 153.5.
Kansas found themselves in a 39-25 hole at halftime but showed some fight in the second half, outscoring Missouri 42-37. However, the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Kansas struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 39.7% from the field and 34.8% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 46%, but they did hit 81.8% of their free throws, going 9-for-11 from the line.
Tamar Bates led the way with 29 points, shooting 60% overall. Hunter Dickinson added 19 points and 14 rebounds, hitting 53.3% of his shots and 50% from three-point range. The Jayhawks also grabbed 16 offensive rebounds and dished out 13 assists.
Kansas gave up 76 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 44% from the field. They hit 19 of their 39 two-point attempts, good for 48%.
From beyond the arc, the opponent went 4/13, shooting 30%. Kansas also sent them to the line 31 times, where they converted 26 free throws, shooting 83%. Kansas allowed 6 offensive rebounds.