North Carolina vs Ole Miss prediction, picks for 2025 men's NCAA Tournament
It's Ole Miss vs North Carolina in the 2025 NCAA Tournament first round. See our expert picks and predictions for the March Madness bracket, along with how to watch and game time.
Editor's note: Follow Men's March Madness live updates and scores from Friday's first-round action.
The 2025 NCAA Tournament is here, folks. First-round action continues on Friday with a matchup between Ole Miss and North Carolina in the South Region.
The Ole Miss Rebels finished the 2024-25 season with a 22-11 record, good for eighth in the SEC. That earned them a No. 6 seed in the 2025 March Madness bracket. Their opponent, the North Carolina Tar Heels, finished fifth in the ACC with a 23-13 record. That earned them a No. 11 seed in the Big Dance, but required a First Four matchup against the San Diego State Aztecs. The Tar Heels won and advanced to the Round of 64.
Ole Miss ranks as the 26th-best team in the KenPom rankings, sporting the 31st-best offense and 25th-best defense. Meanwhile, North Carolina ranks 33rd overall with the 22nd-ranked offense and 53rd-ranked defense.
Here's how our experts see Friday's Round of 64 clash playing out. Be sure to check out Paste BN's complete March Madness bracket predictions to see our team's picks for every game. While you're at it, don't forget to read our tournament bold predictions and upset picks.
Ole Miss vs. North Carolina picks and predictions
- Jordan Mendoza: North Carolina
- Paul Myerberg: Ole Miss
- Erick Smith: Ole Miss
- Eddie Timanus: North Carolina
- Dan Wolken: North Carolina
- Craig Meyer: Ole Miss 75, North Carolina 71
- Sam Hutchens: Ole Miss: 72, North Carolina 66
Our experts have a slight lean toward Ole Miss. Craig Meyer and the Mississippi Clarion Ledger's Sam Hutchens both have the underdog Ole Miss winning outright. They are also in agreement on the game going under the 155.5-point total.
Ole Miss vs. North Carolina date, start time, where to watch
- Game Day: Friday, March 21, 2025
- Game Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
- Location: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee
- TV Channel: TNT
- Live Stream: Sling TV - Watch Now!
Watch Ole Miss vs. North Carolina on Sling TV
Ole Miss vs. North Carolina odds
Odds as of Wednesday, March 19 via BetMGM.
- Spread: North Carolina -1.5 (-115)
- Moneyline Favorite: North Carolina -130
- Moneyline Underdog: Ole Miss +105
- Total: 155.5
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