The Connecticut Huskies (12-9, 3-5 AAC) welcome the East Carolina Pirates (9-11, 2-6 AAC) to XL Center. The Pirates can end a seven-game road losing streak. Action gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 3, 2019, and can be seen on ESPNews.
East Carolina Pirates vs. Connecticut Huskies ATS Odds
In their last game, the Huskies fell to the UCF Knights, 73-67, while the Pirates won a close one over the Tulane Green Wave, 66-65.
East Carolina’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Tulane. The Pirates had a rate of 9.0 (better than their season average of 18.6), while the Green Wave posted a mark of 20.5 (above the 17.0 mark opponents have averaged against East Carolina this season). Connecticut, on the other hand, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (29.0 vs. 27.6). Jalen Adams played well for Connecticut with 27 points. Jayden Gardner had a good game for East Carolina, putting up 15 points and nine rebounds.
The Huskies dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the most recent matchup, Connecticut won 84-80. Connecticut’s 0.700 effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over East Carolina, who had a rate of 0.595. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
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 Pirates vs. Connecticut Huskies Betting Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Connecticut, ATS Winner – East Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Connecticut ranks 141st in three pointers attempted per game (22.6) while East Carolina ranks 263rd (18.0).
- The Huskies average 36.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 114th in the NCAA. The Pirates rank 188th in rebounds allowed per game (36.0).
- The Huskies average 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 21st in the nation. The Pirates rank 141st in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- Connecticut averages 6.8 steals per game, which ranks 94th in the country. East Carolina ranks 180th in steals allowed per game (7.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 6.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Pirates have scored an average of 62.4 points per game (5.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.4 points per game (7.8 above their season average).
