This first-round matchup between Oregon State and North Carolina will feature two teams that won at least a game in the NCAA Tournament last season. The Tar Heels won in the Round of 64 a year ago before falling in the Round of 32, whereas the Beavers were in the Elite 8 just last year. The teams moved in opposite directions this season, as North Carolina is the heavy favorite in this matchup, but Oregon State will not go down without a fight.
How to watch Oregon State vs. North Carolina
- Date: Saturday, March 22
- Time: 4:30 p.m. EST
- Venue: Carmichael Arena (Chapel Hill, NC)
- How to Watch (TV): ESPNU
- Streaming: ESPN App or Fubo TV
- Oregon State record: 19-15
- North Carolina record: 27-7
Oregon State vs. North Carolina odds, spread and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline
- Oregon State +1600
- North Carolina -6000
Spread
- Oregon State +19.5 (-110)
- North Carolina -19.5 (-110)
Total
- 120.5 (over -110/under -110)
Oregon State injury report
- N/A
North Carolina injury report
- N/A
Oregon State and North Carolina series history
- Oregon State all-time record vs. North Carolina: 1-1
Oregon State vs. North Carolina prediction
North Carolina should win this game handily. Head coach Courtney Banghart has led this team to four straight March Madness appearances and this is the best seed that the team has earned during that tenure. Forward Maria Garkdeng is a lot to handle at 6-foot-3, as she is averaging 11.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per contest. The Tar Heels also have five other players averaging between 7.4 and 10.6 points per game, so this is a well-rounded group.
Oregon State has a bit of star power as well with 6-foot-5 forward Kelsey Rees, who is averaging 12.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. The Beavers also have a solid supporting cast, with five players contributing between 7.4 and 11.4 points per game. However, Scott Ruecks' squad has only played two nationally ranked opponents this year and lost both contests, whereas the Tar Heels are 5-5 in such games.
This matchup could be close, to begin with, but the Tar Heels are battle-tested and have more experience in the tournament. Last year was Oregon State's year to make a run, but this time, it is North Carolina's turn.