The East Carolina Pirates (9-13, 2-8 AAC) will try to put an end to their eight-game road losing streak in a matchup against the South Florida Bulls (16-6, 6-4 AAC) at USF Sun Dome. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 10, 2019.
East Carolina Pirates vs. South Florida Bulls ATS Prediction
In the Pirates’ last contest, they were beaten by the Wichita State Shockers, 65-49. Wichita State won the rebounding battle. The Shockers had more offensive rebounds (15 vs. seven), defensive rebounds (31 vs. 20) and total rebounds (46 vs. 27). East Carolina’s Jayden Gardner put together a good outing, contributing 11 points and five rebounds.
The Bulls edged the SMU Mustangs in their last matchup, 67-66. South Florida was lights out from beyond the arc (11-25; 44.0 percent). SMU, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of making free throws (12-16; 75.0 percent). David Collins was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 9-for-17 shooting from the field.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. Alexis Yetna scored a game-high 28 points in the first game, in which the Bulls topped the Pirates 77-57. He also put up 13 rebounds. The Bulls had a much better turnover percentage (7.6 vs. 21.0) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.1 vs. 28.6).
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, South Florida figures to have a considerable edge. The Bulls defense ranks 37th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.466), while the East Carolina offense is ranked 334th in effective field goal percentage (0.457). It could also be an error-filled game for the offense of the Pirates, which ranks 275th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.4 percent). They’ll be going up against the top-notch defense of the Bulls, which forces the 10th-most turnovers in the nation (24.4 percent).
East Carolina Pirates vs. South Florida Bulls ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – South Florida, ATS Winner – South Florida, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
South Florida averages 38.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 41st in the NCAA. East Carolina ranks 224th in rebounds allowed per game (36.9).
The Bulls average 9.1 steals per game, which ranks 10th in the nation. The Pirates rank 187th in steals allowed per game (7.4).
East Carolina averages 4.0 blocks per game, which ranks 59th in the nation. South Florida ranks 167th in blocks allowed per game (4.5).
The Bulls rank 228th in three pointers attempted per game (20.0) while the Pirates rank 271st (17.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Pirates’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 20.6, up from 4.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (1.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.2 points per game (0.5 below their season average).
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