The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-0) are off to a hot start and will try to stay unbeaten when they meet the East Carolina Pirates (2-2) at Louis Brown Athletic Center. Rutgers opened as a 12-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 135 points. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET on Friday, November 24, 2017.
East Carolina Pirates vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Free Preview
The Pirates edged the Cleveland State Vikings in their last game, 72-69. B.J. Tyson was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 9-for-15 shooting. East Carolina’s 0.587 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Cleveland State, who had a rate of 0.466. The Pirates mark was above their season average of 0.471.
The last time the Scarlet Knights played, they blew out the Bryant Bulldogs, 83-54. With 29 points on 10-for-14 shooting, Geo Baker was the games leading scorer. Rutgers dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.8 (better than their season average of 12.2) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.544 (above their season average of 0.471). For those same stats, Bryant was 19.7 and 0.367, respectively.
Rutgers might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the nations best defenses. East Carolina ranks 56th in defensive efficiency, while the Scarlet Knights rank 294th in offensive efficiency since the 2016-17 season.
Since last season, the Pirates are 17-20 straight up (SU) and 15-12 against the spread (ATS). East Carolina games have had a tendency to go over the O/U total since last season (55.6 percent).
Meanwhile, the Scarlet Knights, are 20-18 SU and 15-13 ATS since last season. Games involving Rutgers have had a tendency to go under the O/U total over that same time frame (60.7 percent).
East Carolina Pirates at Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Rutgers, ATS Winner – East Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Pirates rank 208th in three pointers attempted per game (20.2) while the Scarlet Knights rank 324th (15.7).
- East Carolina ranks 229th in assists per game (12.4) while Rutgers ranks 290th (11.3).
- Rutgers ranks fifth in rebounds per game (41.1) while East Carolina ranks 246th in rebounds allowed per game (36.9).
- The Pirates average 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 32nd in the NCAA. The Scarlet Knights rank 257th in blocks allowed per game (4.7).
- Rutgers ranks 93rd in steals per game (6.8) while East Carolina ranks 259th (5.1).
