The UCF Knights (12-2, 2-0 AAC) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they clash with the East Carolina Pirates (8-7, 1-2 AAC) at CFE Federal Credit Union Arena. The game will air on ESPNU at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 13, 2019.
East Carolina Pirates vs. UCF Knights Betting Prediction
The last time the Pirates played, they were beaten by the Memphis Tigers, 78-72. Getting to the free throw line was one of Memphis’ largest strengths. They made 30 trips to the line, while East Carolina went 15 times. East Carolina’s Seth LeDay played well, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Knights were victorious over the Connecticut Huskies in their last matchup, 65-53. Getting to the charity stripe was one of UCF’s largest strengths. They made 29 trips to the line, 18 more than Connecticut. Aubrey Dawkins was the game’s high scorer with 23 points on 9-for-13 shooting from the field.
After the Knights won both contests against the Pirates last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, UCF won 66-52. The Knights had a much better free throw rate (0.455 vs. 0.163) and had a much better turnover percentage (13.1 vs. 26.9).
Looking at effective field goal percentage, this appears to be a balanced contest. The sharp-shooting UCF offense ranks 40th in the nation in that metric at 0.556, while the stingy East Carolina defense is ranked 59th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.468).
East Carolina Pirates vs. UCF Knights Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Ucf, ATS Winner – East Carolina, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UCF ranks 49th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while East Carolina ranks 166th (7.7).
The Knights rank 19th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Pirates rank 121st (3.9).
East Carolina ranks 64th in rebounds per game (38.3) while UCF ranks 122nd in rebounds allowed per game (34.7).
The Pirates rank 43rd in assists allowed per game (11.1) while the Knights rank 99th (12.7).
UCF ranks 252nd in three pointers attempted per game (18.5) while East Carolina ranks 267th (17.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Pirates have been outscored by an average of 3.6 points in their last five games. For the season, East Carolina has defeated opponents by an average of 1.1 points.
During their last five games, the Knights have scored an average of 81.0 points per game (5.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.0 points per game (4.0 above their season average).
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