NCAAB Pick: Nate Laszewski Over 2.5 Threes (+120) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will look to play spoiler against the Pittsburgh Panthers on Senior Day. The Panthers are currently in first place in the ACC, while the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are just going through the motions with two wins in ACC play. Here are some NCAAB picks to consider for tonight’s ACC matchup.
Bettors residing in PA can bet on these player props at any of the top Pennsylvania betting sites.
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 – 07:00 PM EST at Purcell Pavilion
Nate Laszewski (Notre Dame)
NCAAB Pick: Nate Laszewski Over 2.5 Threes (+120) at BetOnline
- Notre Dame scores nearly 38% of its points from downtown this season.
- Nate Laszewski is shooting over 40% from downtown.
- It’ll be his Senior Night at home.
- Laszewski has an offensive rating of 123.8, 63rd in the nation.
Blake Hinson (Pittsburgh)
NCAAB Pick: Blake Hinson Over 14.5 Points (-125) at BetOnline
- Hinson is averaging 15.8 points per game this season.
- He’s coming off a 22-point performance against Syracuse last time out.
- Hinson has added at least 19 points in four of his last five games.
- He is shooting 50% from inside the arc this season.
- Notre Dame allows teams to shoot 52.3% from inside the arc this season.
Dane Goodwin (Notre Dame)
NCAAB Pick: Dane Goodwin Under 6.5 Rebounds (-155) at BetOnline
- Dane Goodwin averages just 5.1 rebounds per game this season.
- He had six rebounds after playing 40 minutes against Wake Forest in his last game.
- Goodwin hasn’t earned seven or more rebounds since February 8.
- He has a defensive rebounding rate percentage of 13.5% and is a guard.
Matchup Analysis
Can Pittsburgh Stay in First Place in the ACC?
The Pittsburgh Panthers are currently in first place in the ACC and therefore favored in the NCAAB odds. Who would’ve thought? Pittsburgh is 14-4 in a weak ACC, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t deserving of some recognition. The Panthers have won eight of their last nine games and now have Notre Dame and Miami remaining to earn the No. 1 seed in the ACC.
The offense is much better than its defense. Pittsburgh has shot 35.9% from deep and 52.5% from inside the arc. The Panthers will shoot a high rate of threes but would have more success shooting inside against Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish allow 33.8% from deep but 52.3% from inside the arc. Notre Dame is weaker defensively inside the arc but still holds teams to 26.6% offensive rebounds.
The Panthers will get shots up. Turnovers will be limited. They also don’t get to the foul line at a super high rate but shoot 77.1% from the foul line, which is superb.
Can Notre Dame Play Spoiler?
Notre Dame doesn’t have much to play for. They’ve got Pittsburgh, Clemson, and then the ACC Tournament remaining. The Fighting Irish have gone 2-16 in conference play and have lost 11 of their last 12 games. But the offense hasn’t been miserable. It’s been the defense. The offense has added 35.8% from deep and 51.1% from inside the arc. The team is even shooting 76% from the foul line.
Notre Dame won’t add many second chances, with just 19.9% of offensive rebounds. And getting to the line is always a hassle for the Fighting Irish this year. Notre Dame will limit turnovers at a high rate but won’t get second chances. Shots have to fall for the Fighting Irish to have a chance.
Pittsburgh’s held teams to 32.7% from three and 47.2% from inside the arc. Pittsburgh’s also good enough on the defensive glass, holding teams to 27.9% of offensive rebounds. Again, the Panthers will likely keep Notre Dame off the foul line at a high rate but won’t earn many turnovers in this game.
Both teams are getting over 37% of their points from downtown. Both teams shoot nearly 36% from deep. But inside the arc is where Pittsburgh has the advantage. The Fighting Irish allow teams to shoot at a very high rate and don’t typically get many blocks or steals on the defensive end.
The Panthers will allow 10.5% of shots to be blocked, but that could be limited against a very non-aggressive defense like Notre Dame. Pittsburgh should also add more foul shots and second chances in this game. On the road, things can get tricky. It’s senior night for the Fighting Irish so the crowd might be a bit bigger. But Pittsburgh’s got big sights and should come out prepared like they’ve done all season.
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
