Expect a defensive battle when the South Florida Bulls (5-21) and East Carolina Pirates (10-15) square off at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. Action gets underway at 7:00 pm ET on Tuesday, Feb. 16 and can be seen on ES3.
The Pirates fell to Cincinnati 75-60 on Saturday. Prince Williams was the team’s high scorer with 15 points. The Bulls, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 77-65 loss to Temple on Sunday. Nehemias Morillo had a good game for South Florida, registering 16 points, four assists, and three steals.
The Pirates are trying to improve upon their records of 10-15 Straight Up (SU) and 10-8-2 Against The Spread (ATS). East Carolina has averaged 61.8 points per game over the last 10 games, lower than its season average of 70.6.
On the other side, the Bulls have records of 13-12 ATS and 5-21 SU. The Bulls have shown improvement on the offensive end over the most recent 10 game stretch. Over that span, South Florida is averaging 71.3 PPG, significantly more than their season average of 63.0. The South Florida defense has allowed an average of 83.1 points per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 71.8. When it comes to defending the rim, the Bulls are one of the best in the nation with an average of 5.5 blocks per game.
The conference foes will be squaring off for the first time this season. In their most recent meeting a season ago, South Florida came out on top, but South Florida still leads the head-to-head record, 5-4 SU. With a 6-3 record, the Bulls also have the advantage ATS.
Predictions: SU Winner – ECU, ATS Winner – ECU
Notes
East Carolina scores just 74.2 points per home game (ranked 168th). South Florida ranks 82nd in points allowed on the road, giving up 71.9 points.
The South Florida Bulls average a field goal percentage of 42.2% this season. The East Carolina Pirates have an abysmal record of 4-13 when opponents have a FG% of 42.2% or greater.
The East Carolina Pirates rank lower for their field goal percentage (233rd) than they do for their effective field goal percentage (225th), but the South Florida Bulls have a better FG% ranking (264th) than eFG% ranking (322nd).
East Carolina ranks 67th in assists, registering 15.3 per game. South Florida performs worse at 343rd with 9.9 assists per game.
South Florida, the 79th-ranked team in rebounding, registers an average of 38.5 rebounds per game. East Carolina does worse, ranked 252nd with 34.9.
On average, East Carolina makes 5.8 steals per game. South Florida is a subpar 4-19 when it gives up at least 5 steals.
