The East Carolina Pirates (5-4) meet the Charlotte 49ers (3-6) at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, December 18, 2017.
East Carolina opened as a 3.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 146.5 points.
Charlotte 49ers vs. East Carolina Pirates Free Prediction
The 49ers are hoping for a better outcome after their 64-50 loss to the Chattanooga Mocs in their last matchup. Chattanooga’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Charlotte. The Mocs had a rate of 0.245 (below their season average of 0.252), while the 49ers posted a mark of 0.067 (below their season average of 0.332). Hudson Price led Charlotte in scoring with 15 points on 5-for-6 shooting.
The last time the Pirates played, they won a close one over the Campbell Fighting Camels, 69-66. Getting to the free throw line was one of East Carolina’s biggest strengths. They had 31 free throw attempts, 21 more than Campbell. With 16 points and seven rebounds, B.J. Tyson put together a solid outing for East Carolina.
The aggressive Charlotte offense could be getting to the free throw line a lot in this matchup. Since the 2016-17 season, the 49ers rank 30th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.265, while East Carolina ranks 205th in FTA rate allowed (0.208).
Charlotte comes into the game with records of 3-6 straight up (SU) and 0-6 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is exceedingly precise when setting the O/U total of 49ers games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Meanwhile, East Carolina is 5-4 SU and 1-2 ATS. Of the Pirates’ 3 games with betting action, 2 have finished over the O/U total.
The 49ers won the sole contest against the Pirates last season, 76-64. The 49ers’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Pirates. Charlotte had a rate of 10.4, while East Carolina posted a mark of 26.6.
Charlotte 49ers at East Carolina Pirates ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – East Carolina, ATS Winner – East Carolina, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
East Carolina averages 37.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 73rd in the nation. Charlotte ranks 118th in rebounds allowed per game (38.8).
The 49ers average 12.2 assists per game, which ranks 176th in the NCAA. The Pirates rank 187th in assists allowed per game (13.1).
Charlotte averages 6.2 steals per game, which ranks 138th in the nation. East Carolina ranks 145th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
The 49ers and Pirates both average 20.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 248th in the nation.
