UNC Asheville Bulldogs vs UNCW Seahawks NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/21/24

Looking to win big? The Bulldogs and Seahawks face off at 2:00 ET on FloH. The Seahawks are hosting the game at Trask Coliseum in Wilmington, NC. The over/under for this game is set at 149.5 points, and UNCW is favored by -6.5 against UNC Asheville in a non-conference matchup.

UNC ASHEVILLE BULLDOGS VS UNCW SEAHAWKS BETTING PICK

The Pick: UNC Asheville Bulldogs +6.5

This game will be played at Trask Coliseum at 2:00 ET on Saturday, December 21st.

WHY BET THE UNC ASHEVILLE BULLDOGS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-71 in favor of the Seahawks.
• Even though we have UNCW winning straight-up, we like UNC Asheville at +6.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 149.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.

Can UNC Asheville Pull Off a Road Win?

UNC Asheville improved to 5-4 on the season with a 95-81 home win over North Florida on Tuesday, December 17th. The Bulldogs, who were -3 favorites going into the game, covered the spread with the victory.

UNC Asheville jumped out to a 43-30 lead by halftime, but the game opened up in the second half, with the Bulldogs scoring 52 points and allowing 51. The total points for the game reached 176, surpassing the over/under line of 162.

UNC Asheville’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 95 points while shooting 56.9% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 65.5%, with strong performances from both inside and outside the arc. They hit 63.2% of their two-point attempts and 45% from three, connecting on 9 of 20 shots from deep.

The Bulldogs also excelled at the free-throw line, making 20 of 29 attempts (69%), and grabbed 12 offensive rebounds. They dished out 20 assists, with Jordan Marsh contributing 7 assists to go along with his 19 points. Toyaz Solomon led the team with 24 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 69.2% from the field.

UNC Asheville struggled defensively, giving up 81 points on 56% shooting from the field. Their interior defense was particularly vulnerable, as they allowed their opponent to hit 63% of their two-point attempts, going 24/38.

From beyond the arc, UNC Asheville’s defense couldn’t contain their opponent, who shot 45% on threes, making 9 of 20 attempts. They also sent the other team to the line 29 times, where they converted 20 free throws for 69%. The Bulldogs gave up 12 offensive rebounds.

Can UNCW Deliver Being Favored at Home?

UNCW improved to 7-3 on the season with a 79-66 win over Florida Gulf Coast on Wednesday, December 18th. Playing at home, the Seahawks entered the game as -6.5 point favorites and covered the spread with the victory.

UNCW led 37-27 at halftime and scored 42 points in the 2nd half while allowing 39. The combined points for the game were 145, going over the pre-game O/U line of 138.5.

UNCW put up 79 points in their last game, shooting 49.1% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 57.9%. They were dominant inside, hitting 72% of their two-point attempts, while struggling from beyond the arc, going 10-for-32 (31.2%).

Donovan Newby led the way with 21 points, knocking down 4-of-9 threes. Zavian McLean and Keeshawn Kellman both shot 8-for-11, with McLean adding 20 points and Kellman grabbing 9 rebounds. Noah Ross contributed 12 points and 5 assists.

Despite giving up 66 points, UNCW’s defense struggled to contain their opponent, who shot 49% from the field. Most of the damage came inside, where they allowed 18 two-point baskets on just 25 attempts, a 72% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, UNCW’s defense held their opponent to 31% shooting, with 10 made threes on 32 attempts. They also sent them to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 13 for 61%. UNCW gave up 9 offensive rebounds in the game.