The NCAA Tournament always brings drama, and this year’s East Region clash between No. 6 Ole Miss and No. 11 North Carolina is no exception.
The Rebels, under Chris Beard, are making their return to March Madness with high expectations, while the Tar Heels enter with controversy surrounding their tournament selection. North Carolina’s 1-12 record against Quad 1 opponents raised eyebrows, but now they have a chance to silence critics against a disciplined Ole Miss squad. With both teams eager to prove themselves, this first-round battle in Milwaukee is shaping up to be a thriller.
Ole Miss vs. North Carolina Preview
All Ole Miss vs. North Carolina odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Tuesday, March 19, 2025.
- Spread: North Carolina -2.5
- Moneyline: Ole Miss (+110) | North Carolina (-130)
- Over/Under: 155.5
- Game Time: Friday, March 21 | 4:05 p.m. ET
- Location: Fiserv Forum | Milwaukee, WI
- How to Watch: TNT
North Carolina enters the game as a slight favorite despite concerns about their ability to perform against top-tier competition. The Tar Heels have struggled against high-level opponents, and Ole Miss presents a tough challenge, particularly with its defensive pressure and ability to force turnovers. The Rebels boast the SEC’s best turnover margin and will look to exploit North Carolina’s shaky ball security.
Ole Miss vs. North Carolina CSN Winning Probability
- CSN Winning Probability: North Carolina 54%, Ole Miss 46%
While North Carolina is favored both in Vegas and by analytics, the margin is tight, indicating this game could go either way. The Tar Heels’ inconsistent play and struggles against elite teams make this a risky pick for bettors. The Rebels’ ability to control the pace and force turnovers could be the key to an upset.
Prediction for Ole Miss vs. North Carolina
This game will likely come down to tempo and execution. If Ole Miss can force turnovers and limit North Carolina’s second-chance opportunities, the Rebels could advance. North Carolina, on the other hand, must play a clean game and capitalize on its size advantage inside.
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Chris Beard’s squad has notable wins over Alabama and Tennessee, both No. 2 seeds, proving they can hang with elite teams. The Rebels also excel when they hit the 80-point mark, boasting a 10-2 record when reaching that threshold. However, if North Carolina can find its rhythm offensively and avoid costly mistakes, they have the talent to escape Milwaukee with a win.
Prediction: Ole Miss 79, North Carolina 75
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