North Carolina at Miami basketball: Game 24 info, live stream, odds, TV

The Miami basketball team had a much-needed four days off after their abysmal performance on Monday at Virginia. Miami returns to the Watsco Center on Saturday versus North Carolina. North Carolina is as close to a must-win as Miami will have this season. The Tar Heels lead the ACC at 10-2.

North Carolina enters the game on Saturday ranked third nationally. Clemson won 80-76 at North Carolina on Tuesday. Miami has defeated a top-three team in each of the last two seasons. Miami defeated number two Duke in 2022. In the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Miami ousted number one/two and the Midwest's top seed, Houston.

A win over North Carolina should significantly improve the NCAA Net Rating. Miami enters the game Saturday ranked 70th in the Net Ratings. The Hurricanes are a long way off the NCAA Tournament bubble with just over a month left in the regular season. North Carolina is 10th in the Net Ratings.

Miami has been wildly inconsistent with four wins and six losses in its last 10 games. The Hurricanes won their last two games at home after losing to Louisville and Florida State in the pair of prior home games. Miami needs to use the sellout crowd to its advantage and get off to a good start versus North Carolina.

North Carolina at Miami basketball: Game information

Date: Sat., Feb. 10, 2024, Time: 4 p.m. ET, Location: Coral Gables, Fla., Arena: Watsco Center, Live Stats: miami.statbroadcast.com, Television: ESPN, Radio: 560 WQAM, Series: 26-10, UNC, at Miami: 4-10, at UNC: 5-12, Neutral: 1-4, Last Meeting: 80-72, Miami (2/13/23)

#3 North Carolina (18-5, 10-2 ACC), Head Coach: Hubert Davis (UNC ‘92), Record at UNC: 67-28, Career Record: 67-28, Record vs. UM: 0-2. Miami (15-8, 6-6 ACC), Head Coach: Jim Larrañaga (Providence ‘71), Record at UM: 270-157, Career Record: 740-491, Record vs. UNC: 9-11

North Carolina at Miami: Point Spread and Over/Under

North Carolina at Miami: FanDuel Odds: Spread: Miami plus 4.5 Total: 156.5, Moneyline: Miami +188 North Carolina -155 Courtesy FanDuel.

Prediction

The 25-point difference in over/under from the Virginia game is striking. Miami and Virginia had an over/under of 131.5. The 100-point total was exactly the pace Virginia wanted. North Carolina is exactly the opposite. Miami should be able to score versus North Carolina. The difference will be how well Miami stops North Carolina.

Miami has to also be able to avoid the long droughts that have plagued them this season. North Carolina's pace can break the game wide open quickly. North Carolina ranks 23rd nationally averaging 82.8 points per game. Miami is 66th averaging 79.0 PPG. Expect a wide open game with a quick pace.

Miami shot 14-49 from the floor and made only 2-20 three-point shots in the loss to Virginia. North Carolina will also have a lot to prove after their home loss to Clemson. Miami is 7-5-1 at home versus the spread this season and North Carolina is 8-4 on the road. Both teams have struggled somewhat recently versus the number.

Miami is too inconsistent to rely on them versus the point spread as a favorite or underdog. The under is the best bet on Saturday. Miami and North Carolina combined for 152 points last season. Five of the last six Miami games and five of the previous seven North Carolina games have gone under.

Miami has to be focused on locked in on Saturday. North Carolina is the most important game for Miami thus far this season. A win over North Carolina can begin to turn the season around for Miami. February is the toughest month for Miami. The Hurricanes have started February 1-1.