FSU basketball: Noles slight favorites on the road to best UNC

No. 11 FSU basketball (14-3, 10-2 ACC) look to win their fifth consecutive game and sweep the regular-season series from the North Carolina Tarheels (14-8, 8-5 ACC).

The Noles blew out the Miami Hurricanes for the second time in their last outing, and North Carolina lost at home by double-digits against Marquette.

Despite how well FSU is playing, they are only -2.5 point betting favorites, according to the Action Network.

The over/under point total is 151, so oddsmakers expect a high-scoring game like 77-74. FSU basketball took care of business in their earlier matchup, winning 82-75 and leading most of the way before holding off a late North Carolina run.

North Carolina shot the three-ball uncharacteristically well in that game, making 10 three-pointers, and were +4 on the offensive boards.

FSU had 17 turnovers which didn’t help, but these three components will determine the game. If the Noles can avoid the sloppy turnovers(which they have the past few games), limit North Carolina on the offensive boards, and defend the three-ball well?

FSU should continue their winnings ways. We’ll have to see if MJ Walker and Malik Osborne can play, as Walker missed the last game and Osborne suffered an injury in the game.

RaiQuan Gray, Sadaar Calhoun, and Balsa Koprivica have been key components in the ‘Noles success of late. Scottie Barnes has been solid, as well as Anthony Polite.

The betting line does have me concerned based on what I’ve seen from both teams. Usually, when the line is too good to be true, usually that’s not a good sign. However, North Carolina is a tough team to beat on their court, and they may have more fans in attendance, with the North Carolina Governor easing some COVID-19 restrictions in the state.

The game is slated for a 4 p.m tipoff and will air on ESPN. Be sure to join us on Twitter as we give our thoughts during the game!