The East Carolina Pirates (9-11, 2-6 AAC) look to put an end to their seven-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Connecticut Huskies (12-9, 3-5 AAC) at XL Center. The game will air on ESPNews at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 3, 2019.
East Carolina Pirates at Connecticut Huskies ATS Prediction
The last time the Pirates played, they defeated the Tulane Green Wave, 66-65. East Carolina had a turnover percentage of 9.0 (better than their season average of 18.6). Tulane, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.4 vs. 26.2). East Carolina received a boost from Jayden Gardner, who was the team’s leading scorer with 15 points on 5-for-13 shooting.
The Huskies lost to the UCF Knights in their last contest, 73-67. Getting to the charity stripe was one of UCF’s biggest advantages. They had 36 free throw attempts, while Connecticut had just 13. Jalen Adams had a solid performance for Connecticut, leading both teams in scoring with 27 points on 9-for-22 shooting.
After the Huskies won both contests against the Pirates last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, Connecticut won 84-80. Connecticut’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over East Carolina. The Huskies had a rate of 0.700 while the Pirates posted a mark of 0.595.
The offensive glass could be a huge advantage for Connecticut in this contest. The Huskies rank 53rd in offensive rebounding percentage (33.2 percent), while East Carolina ranks 218th in defensive rebounding percentage (71.1 percent).
East Carolina vs. Connecticut Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Connecticut, ATS Winner – East Carolina, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Connecticut ranks 141st in three pointers attempted per game (22.6) while East Carolina ranks 263rd (18.0).
The Huskies average 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 21st in the NCAA. The Pirates rank 141st in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
Connecticut ranks 94th in steals per game (6.8) while East Carolina ranks 180th in steals allowed per game (7.7).
The Huskies average 36.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 114th in the nation. The Pirates rank 188th in rebounds allowed per game (36.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Pirates’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 17.0, up from 3.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 77.8 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.4 points per game (2.0 above their season average).
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