It will be a battle between AAC opponents when the East Carolina Pirates (7-9, 1-4 AAC) welcome the Houston Cougars (13-3, 3-1 AAC) to Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 14, 2018.
Houston Cougars vs. East Carolina Pirates Free Prediction
The last time the Cougars played, they blew out the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, 104-71. The Cougars, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.546, had an absurd mark of 0.687 and had a turnover percentage of 12.7 (better than their season average of 16.4). With 34 points on 12-for-17 shooting, Rob Gray Jr. was the top scorer from either team.
The Pirates were blown out by the No. 5 Wichita State Shockers in their last game, 95-60. Wichita State’s 33.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over East Carolina, who had a mark of 20.5. The Shockers’ mark was below their season average of 34.6, while the Pirates’ was below their season average of 30.3. East Carolina’s B.J. Tyson had a good performance, leading both teams in scoring with 16 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
The offense of East Carolina (337th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 93.5) will face off against the elite defense of Houston (68th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 97.2). The Cougars figure to have the advantage on that end of the court. Furthermore, the Cougars are among the nation’s elite on the offensive backboards, ranking 33rd in offensive rebounding percentage (35.2 percent). The Pirates, meanwhile, rank 274th in defensive rebounding percentage (68.7 percent).
Houston holds records of 13-3 straight up (SU) and 7-5 against the spread (ATS). Of the Cougars’ 12 games that accepted bets, seven have finished under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, East Carolina is 7-9 SU and 3-6 ATS. Unlike Houston, Pirates games have a tendency to go over the O/U total (55.6 percent).
After the Cougars won both contests against the Pirates last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last game, Houston won 73-51. The Cougars had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (43.2 vs. 17.9) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.8 vs. 21.1).
Houston Cougars at East Carolina Pirates Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Houston is 4-4 ATS on the road with 5 unders and 3 overs.
At home, East Carolina is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Houston ranks 27th in rebounds allowed per game (31.2) while East Carolina ranks 205th (37.4).
The Cougars rank 39th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while the Pirates rank 199th (15.2).
Houston ranks 169th in three pointers attempted per game (21.3) while East Carolina ranks 247th (17.9).
The Cougars rank 26th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Pirates rank 72nd (3.2).
Houston averages 6.3 steals per game, which ranks 121st in the NCAA. East Carolina ranks 165th in steals allowed per game (7.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Houston is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
East Carolina is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.6, down from 13.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pirates have scored an average of 56.8 points per game (8.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.6 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
