The North Carolina Tar Heels are going to face off against the San Diego State Aztecs in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament, and both teams are eager to earn a place in the Round of 64. Which, in turn, makes us eager to provide UNC vs. San Diego State predictions today!

UNC just made it into the tournament as the last team picked, while San Diego State is hoping to bring back the success that took them to the national championship game two years ago. 

 

 

 

UNC vs. San Diego State Predictions For First Four March Madness, 3/18

As they prepare for their game on Tuesday night in Dayton, both teams have something to prove – UNC wants to show that they deserve to be there, and SDSU wants to remind everyone of their strong history.

With a matchup between a well-known program and a recent contender, let’s take a look at our UNC vs. San Diego State picks, odds, and best bets for the First Four matchup.

 

 

 

North Carolina Tar Heels: Out To Prove Doubters Wrong

The North Carolina Tar Heels head into the First Four eager to prove their doubters wrong regarding their spot in the NCAA Tournament. They averaged 81.7 points per game during the regular season, ranking 25th in the nation, yet have faced criticism for their inconsistency, particularly on defense, where they give up 76.1 points per game, placing them 299th.

The dynamic backcourt of RJ Davis (17.3 PPG) and Ian Jackson (13.3 PPG) drives their high-scoring offense, but the Tar Heels' chances in the postseason depend on improving their defense and stabilizing their rebounding.

 

 

 

San Diego State Aztecs: Driven By Their Defense

San Diego State has established its reputation with one of the toughest defenses in college basketball. The Aztecs give up only 63.6 points per game, ranking 14th in the country, and limit opponents to an impressive 37.8% shooting percentage, which is second best overall.

Their defense has been crucial, keeping them in games even when their scoring is low – SDSU averages only 70.9 points per game, placing them 264th. Senior guards Miles Byrd (12.6 PPG, 2.1 SPG) and Nick Boyd (13.4 PPG) lead a focused and aggressive defensive team that excels at forcing errors from their rivals.

After a setback in the Mountain West Tournament, SDSU aims to regain the defensive strength that took them to the national championship game two years ago.

 

 

 

How To Watch First Four March Madness 2025

The First Four matchup in March Madness featuring North Carolina against San Diego State is scheduled to commence at 9:10 PM ET on Tuesday. Viewers can catch the game on truTV or stream it via Max.

This arrangement applies to the other three First Four contests taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings as well. Now, let us explore the picks, odds, and UNC vs. San Diego State predictions.

 

 

 

UNC vs. San Diego State Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

Novig quickly published UNC vs. San Diego State odds and lines for the First Four matchup immediately after the announcement. Below are the latest figures:

  • North Carolina Tar Heels (-197) vs. San Diego State Aztecs (+180)
    • Spread: North Carolina -4.5 (+100) vs. San Diego State +4.5 (-102)
    • Game Total: Over 142.5 (-106) vs. Under 142.5 (-102)

 

 

 

UNC vs. San Diego State Game Total: Over 142.5 (-106 at Novig)

For our UNC vs. San Diego State picks, betting on the over 142.5 (-106 at Novig) seems like the best bet. Although SDSU is recognized for its strong defense, ranking second in opponent field goal percentage at 37.8% and 14th in points allowed per game at 63.6, the Tar Heels' offense is dynamic enough to pose a challenge.

UNC scores an average of 81.7 points per game, placing them 25th nationally, and they have a solid shooting percentage of 48.0% (33rd). With a fast-paced style led by RJ Davis, who averages 17.3 points per game, they can score frequently, even against a tough defense like the Aztecs.

Conversely, SDSU's offense is not known for high scoring, averaging only 70.9 points per game (264th), but this shouldn't be a problem against UNC's weak defense. The Tar Heels allow 76.1 points per game (299th in the nation) and permit opponents to shoot 43.7% from the field.

Even a less consistent offense like SDSU's should find scoring opportunities, especially in transition and on second-chance plays. Considering their recent performances against top teams and SDSU's knack for exploiting defensive flaws, this game is likely to be a high-scoring contest. 

The fast pace of UNC's play, combined with their defensive issues, makes the over 142.5 (-106 at Novig) the best option for UNC vs. San Diego State predictions today.

 

 

 

UNC vs. San Diego State Injury Report & Starting Lineup

North Carolina Tar Heels Injury Report

  • None

North Carolina Tar Heels Projected Starters

  • R. Davis (G) – (17.3 PPG, 3.8 APG)
  • I. Jackson (G) – (13.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG)
  • S. Trimble (G) – (11.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG)
  • E. Cadeau (G) – (9.6 PPG, 6.0 APG)
  • V. Lubin (F) – (7.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG)

San Diego State Aztecs Injury Report

  • R. Waters (G) – Out: Foot

San Diego State Aztecs Projected Starters

  • N. Boyd (G) – (13.4 PPG, 4.0 APG)
  • M. Byrd (G) – (12.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG)
  • B. Davis (G) – (9.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG)
  • M. Gwath (F) – (8.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG)
  • J. Coleman-Jones (F) – (7.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG)

 

 

 

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