It will be a battle between AAC opponents when the Memphis Tigers (9-6, 1-1 AAC) welcome the East Carolina Pirates (8-6, 1-1 AAC) to FedExForum. The game can be seen on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2019.
East Carolina Pirates vs. Memphis Tigers ATS Prediction
In the Pirates’ last contest, they dismantled the Delaware State Hornets, 81-56. The Pirates had a much better free throw rate (0.344 vs. 0.158) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.9 vs. 20.5). East Carolina was lifted by Isaac Fleming, who was the team’s high scorer with 12 points on 4-for-7 shooting.
The Tigers defeated the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in their last contest, 76-61. Memphis’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Tennessee Tech. The Tigers had a rate of 15.1, while the Golden Eagles posted a mark of 28.6. Kyvon Davenport was the top scorer from either team with 30 points on 11-for-17 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, the Tigers won 90-70. The Tigers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.0 vs. 9.4) and had a much better free throw rate (0.266 vs. 0.153).
Jeremiah Martin has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Memphis.
The physical Memphis offense might be living from the charity stripe in this battle. The Tigers currently rank 34th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.293, while East Carolina ranks 289th in FTA rate allowed (0.269). It could also be a mistake-prone game for the offense of the Pirates, which ranks 318th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 22.2 percent). They’ll be going up against the stingy defense of the Tigers, which forces the 39th-most turnovers in the country (23.1 percent).
East Carolina Pirates at Memphis Tigers Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Memphis, ATS Winner – East Carolina, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
East Carolina ranks 32nd in assists allowed per game (10.7) while Memphis ranks 197th (15.0).
The Tigers rank 18th in steals per game (8.9) while the Pirates rank 154th in steals allowed per game (7.7).
Memphis ranks 166th in three pointers attempted per game (21.5) while East Carolina ranks 263rd (17.2).
The Pirates average 4.1 blocks per game, which ranks 60th in the nation. The Tigers rank 150th in blocks allowed per game (4.5).
Memphis ranks 91st in rebounds per game (37.7) while East Carolina ranks 107th in rebounds allowed per game (34.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Pirates’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.0, up from 1.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (5.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.0 points per game (1.1 above their season average).
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