The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (13-5) and the fourth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels (15-3) square off in an intense ACC battle on Monday, January 22 at 7:00 PM ET. The Tar Heels are favored by the point spread currently at -8.5 (-110).

The Demon Deacons have been in a win and then loss cycle over the last five games, going 3-2 in that stretch. Their most recent game was a 90-65 blowout victory over the Louisville Cardinals.

Hunter Sallis is getting 17.7 points per game and is making 48.4 percent of his shots. In addition, he is also connecting on 80.4 percent chance at success from the foul line.

The Demon Deacons are averaging 81.1 points per game and make 47.7 percent of their shots from the field. They do not move the ball at a good rate, in comparison to the Tar Heels, but find scoring opportunities, showing their assists coming in at 12.8 each game.

Their defense is allowing 69.8 points per game, which offers a nice margin for any room for error. They also chime in with 35.1 rebounds, 4.6 blocks, and 6.1 steals a game. 

The Tar Heels have won their last eight consecutive games and have an opportunity to get them going towards their ninth. Their most recent game was a 77-66 win over the Boston College Eagles. Over their last five games, they have held opponents to 70 points or less.

RJ Davis is connecting on 20.3 points per game and is making 48.4 percent of his shot attempts. He is also averaging an incredible 94.7 free throw percentage per game, making him a deadly offensive player.

The Tar Heels are averaging 83.4 points per game and are making 45.5 percent of their shots from the field. Their ball movement is slightly better than the Demon Deacons’, coming in at 14.4.

They are giving up 69.3 points from opposing teams. While their margin of victory is appealing, they will need to play exceptionally well on their home court.

MyBookie offers their betting odds for this game, with the North Carolina Tar Heels as 8.5-point favorites. Looking at market insights, the Tar Heels have an 80.3 percent chance at winning.

The Demon Deacons have been a bit volatile in their last five games and have an incredible test in their hands. As for the Tar Heels, they are playing good basketball and have had a few hiccups so far. Look for the Tar Heels to win and cover the spread.