Both teams look to put an end to their five-game losing streaks as the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-13, 1-8 ACC) meet the Pittsburgh Panthers (12-10, 2-7 ACC) at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Pittsburgh Panthers at Wake Forest Demon Deacons Free Prediction
In the Panthers’ last contest, they were defeated by the Syracuse Orange, 65-56. Syracuse’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Pittsburgh. The Orange had a rate of 0.481 (below their season average of 0.502), while the Panthers posted a mark of 0.360 (below their season average of 0.498). Xavier Johnson put together a solid outing for Pittsburgh, putting up 14 points, six assists and five rebounds.
The Demon Deacons got blown out by the Clemson Tigers in their last matchup, 64-37. Clemson’s 0.528 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Wake Forest, who had a rate of 0.263. The Tigers’ mark was above their season average of 0.526, while the Demon Deacons’ was below their season average of 0.460. With 12 points on 5-for-12 shooting, Chaundee Brown led Wake Forest in scoring.
Wake Forest might struggle to put up points as they square off against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Pittsburgh ranks 50th in defensive efficiency while the Demon Deacons rank 265th in offensive efficiency. Additionally, the Panthers, who rank sixth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.314), will square off against the Demon Deacons, who rank 259th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.250).
After the Demon Deacons won the sole game against the Panthers last season, 63-57, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Demon Deacons knocked down 20 of their 23 free throws (87.0 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (7.7 vs. 12.0).
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Pittsburgh, ATS Winner – Pittsburgh, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Wake Forest averages 38.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 60th in the country. Pittsburgh ranks 220th in rebounds allowed per game (37.2).
The Panthers rank 52nd in blocks per game (4.1) while the Demon Deacons rank 148th in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
Pittsburgh averages 6.8 steals per game, which ranks 87th in the country. Wake Forest ranks 136th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
The Panthers rank 208th in assists per game (11.9) while the Demon Deacons rank 250th (10.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Panthers have been outscored by an average of 12.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Pittsburgh has defeated opponents by an average of 5.4 points.
During their last five games, the Demon Deacons have scored an average of 53.6 points per game (15.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.2 points per game (0.8 below their season average).
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