UNC-Iona Betting Odds: Opening Spread, Analysis for 2019 NCAA Tournament

#1 North Carolina vs. #16 Iona NCAA Tournament Betting Odds

• Spread: -24.5
• Over/Under: 164
• Date: Friday, March 22
• Time: 9:20 p.m., ET
• Location: Columbus, Oh.
• TV: TNT

North Carolina's Statistical Profile

The Tar Heels finished the regular season strong with seven straight wins, include two over the Duke Blue Devils. While Coach K’s team was without Zion Williamson for the second matchup, and most of the first, Roy Williams’ team still dominated the Blue Devils in both games.

North Carolina performed admirably against Duke in the ACC Tournament, losing by just one point following Williamson's return to the Devils. While the Heels were certainly disappointed with the loss, this team is in fine form heading into the NCAA tourney. — PJ Walsh

• Record: 27-6
• Adj. Efficiency Rank: 5
• Adj. Offensive Efficiency Rank: 7
• Adj. Defensive Efficiency Rank: 12
• Tempo Rank: 4

All advanced metrics via KenPom as of Friday, March 15

Iona's Statistical Profile

Iona started the year 2-9 but finished the regular season on a seven-game winning streak. The Gaels were the top seed in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament and won the title for a fourth season in a row.

The team is led by senior Rickey McGill who earned First Team All-MAAC honors and coach Tim Cluess was named Coach of the Year for a second time. The Gaels had the most efficient offense in the MAAC and exceled at the free throw line (75.4% during MAAC play).

Iona has made six tournament appearances since 2005. The Gaels were bounced from the bracket in the first game each time and went 0-6 against the spread, failing to cover by 5.2 points per game. — John Ewing

• Record: 17-15
• Adj. Efficiency Rank: 198
• Adj. Offensive Efficiency Rank: 129
• Adj. Defensive Efficiency Rank: 274
• Tempo Rank: 46

All advanced metrics via KenPom as of Friday, March 15

UNC-Iona Betting and Bracket Pick

Iona is in the tournament for the fourth year in a row. Head coach Tim Cluess has done an outstanding job building the dominant program in the MAAC.

That said, this is the weakest Iona team that has made the NCAA Tournament, ranking 275th in adjusted defensive efficiency, per KenPom. The Tar Heels' top-10 defense and offense make a 16-seed upset highly unlikely. — Mike Randle

• Early ATS Lean: UNC -24.5
• Early Bracket Pick: UNC

Sean Koerner's North Carolina-Iona Projections

Sean Koerner's proprietary projections also power our Bracket Simulator, which helps you find the most optimal bracket for your pool size.

• Spread: North Carolina -25
• Over/Under: 158
• Score: North Carolina 91.5 | Iona 66.5
• Win Probability: North Carolina 99.3% | Iona 0.7%