Julian Edlow provides his preview, prediction, and pick for Saturday’s college basketball game between Miami vs. NC State.
Miami vs. NC State College Basketball prediction, preview
Both of these teams are coming off complete opposite ends of the spectrum this week, with the Hurricanes earning a huge win, while the Wolfpack took their worst loss of the season. Miami hosted North Carolina on Tuesday night and took down the Tar Heels as a short home underdog. On Monday night, NC State traveled to Louisville and got completely blown out, giving up 118 points to the Cardinals in a 41-point blowout.
Now the Pack return home with nearly a full week to chew on that embarrassing loss, while the Canes have been celebrating their win. Miami has been a solid road team this season at 5-1, but those ACC road wins have come over Boston College, Syracuse, Notre Dame and the best one over Wake Forest (which has declined significantly).
While I think Miami is a solid team, and I backed them on Tuesday, I believe it should struggle against better competition on the road. This is the largest road underdog the Canes have been since facing Florida in November. A comparable game/spot was when Miami went to Clemson earlier in ACC play. The Canes were catching +5.5 points in that one, and lost to the Tigers by double digits.
NC State is going to come out the more aggressive team in this one. I’ll back them to win with some margin against Miami.
CBB Pick: NC State -5.5 (-105)