The East Carolina Pirates (10-19, 3-14 AAC) welcome the Connecticut Huskies (14-16, 5-12 AAC) to Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum as the regular season wraps up. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 10, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Connecticut Huskies vs. East Carolina Pirates Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last outing. The Pirates fell to the Wichita State Shockers, 72-55, while the Huskies were defeated by the Temple Owls, 78-71.
Connecticut had a better turnover percentage (14.4 vs. 14.7) while East Carolina held Wichita State to an effective field goal percentage of 0.438 (below the 0.511 mark opponents have averaged against East Carolina this season). Rico Quinton was a key piece for East Carolina with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Connecticut rallied around Christian Vital, who finished with 26 points and seven rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Josh Carlton led the Huskies to a 76-52 victory. He notched a double-double with 20 points and 16 rebounds. The Huskies’ 41.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Pirates, who had a mark of 20.0.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the East Carolina offense. East Carolina ranks 220th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.2 percent), while the disruptive defense of Connecticut forces the 82nd-most turnovers in the nation (20.7 percent). Furthermore, the Huskies, who rank 52nd in offensive rebounding percentage (32.9 percent), will square off against the Pirates, who rank 287th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.2 percent).
Connecticut Huskies at East Carolina Pirates Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Connecticut, ATS Winner – Connecticut, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Connecticut averages 4.4 blocks per game, which ranks 32nd in the NCAA. East Carolina ranks 166th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- The Pirates rank 47th in steals per game (7.5) while the Huskies rank 124th (6.3).
- The Huskies rank 157th in three pointers attempted per game (22.2) while the Pirates rank 286th (17.7).
- Connecticut averages 35.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 131st in the NCAA. East Carolina ranks 248th in rebounds allowed per game (37.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Pirates have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (3.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 84.0 points per game (10.1 above their season average).
- The Huskies have been outscored by an average of 5.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Connecticut has defeated opponents by an average of 3.5 points.
