It will be a battle between AAC opponents when the East Carolina Pirates (8-10, 1-5 AAC) welcome the South Florida Bulls (13-6, 3-4 AAC) to Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 26, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
South Florida Bulls vs. East Carolina Pirates Free Prediction
In the Bulls’ last matchup, they defeated the Wichita State Shockers, 54-41. The Bulls knocked down 18 of their 24 free throws (75.0 percent) and held the Shockers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.302 (below their season average of 0.478). South Florida was lifted by Laquincy Rideau, who put up 11 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
The Pirates were blown out by the No. 17 Houston Cougars in their last outing, 94-50. Converting at the free throw line was one of Houston’s largest advantages. They were 20-24 (83.3 percent), while the Pirates were 8-11 (72.7 percent). With 12 points on 5-for-7 shooting, Seth LeDay led East Carolina in scoring.
After the Pirates won both meetings against the Bulls last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, East Carolina won 90-52. The Pirates had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.4 vs. 16.7) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.711 vs. 0.449).
The ineffective offense of East Carolina will battle against the stingy defense of South Florida. The Pirates currently rank 315th in offensive efficiency, while the Bulls are 13th in defensive efficiency. The Bulls figure to have the advantage on that end of the court. Also, the Bulls are among the country’s elite at getting to the line, ranking fifth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.328). The Pirates, meanhwile, rank 323rd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.289).
South Florida Bulls at East Carolina Pirates Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – South Florida, ATS Winner – East Carolina, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
South Florida ranks 11th in steals per game (9.1) while East Carolina ranks 185th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
The Bulls average 39.4 rebounds per game, which ranks 31st in the NCAA. The Pirates rank 166th in rebounds allowed per game (35.4).
East Carolina ranks 63rd in blocks per game (3.9) while South Florida ranks 149th in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
The Bulls rank 232nd in three pointers attempted per game (19.9) while the Pirates rank 271st (18.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 7.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pirates have scored an average of 66.8 points per game (2.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 80.8 points per game (9.1 above their season average).
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