It will be a battle between AAC opponents when the Connecticut Huskies (7-7, 0-2 AAC) welcome the East Carolina Pirates (7-7, 1-2 AAC) to XL Center. The game will air on ESPNews at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018.
East Carolina Pirates at Connecticut Huskies Betting Prediction
The last time the Pirates played, they defeated the South Florida Bulls, 67-65. East Carolina’s 8.9 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over South Florida, who had a mark of 20.2. The Pirates’ mark was better than their season average of 19.0, while the Bulls’ was above the 15.6 mark opponents have averaged against East Carolina this season. Jabari Craig had a solid performance for East Carolina, putting up 13 points and eight rebounds.
The Huskies lost a tough one against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in their last outing, 90-88. Getting to the free throw line was one of Tulsa’s largest advantages. They had 36 free throw attempts, while Connecticut had just 14. With 29 points on 10-for-25 shooting, Jalen Adams was Connecticut’s leading scorer.
East Carolina appears to have the edge on the defensive side of the ball. The Pirates rank 67th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.469), while Connecticut is 333rd in effective field goal percentage (0.457).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Pirates won the most recent matchup 66-62. East Carolina made 12 of its 28 three pointers (42.9 percent). Connecticut, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (22-30; 73.3 percent).
East Carolina Pirates at Connecticut Huskies Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Connecticut, ATS Winner – Connecticut, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
East Carolina ranks 105th in three pointers allowed per game (21.4) while Connecticut ranks 232nd (25.5).
The Huskies rank 19th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Pirates rank 139th (7.1).
Connecticut averages 38.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 78th in the NCAA. East Carolina ranks 196th in rebounds allowed per game (37.2).
The Pirates rank 211th in assists per game (12.1) while the Huskies rank 250th (9.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Pirates’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 11.0, up from 3.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.6 points per game (2.4 above their season average).
