The 24th-ranked Wichita State Shockers (11-1) and the East Carolina Pirates (6-7) clash at Charles Koch Arena. The Shockers look to prolong their five-game winning streak. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, and will air on ESPNU.
East Carolina Pirates at Wichita State Shockers Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Shockers won big over the Abilene Christian Wildcats 84-66, while the Pirates defeated the Eastern Kentucky Colonels 82-74.
East Carolina played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.300 (below their season average of 0.306) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.533 (above their season average of 0.462). For those same stats, Eastern Kentucky had marks of 0.192 and 0.411, respectively. The Shockers, meanwhile, had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 39.4 (above their season average of 33.8) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.561 (above their season average of 0.483). Wichita State was led by Grant Sherfield, who finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Jayden Gardner played a key role for East Carolina with 25 points and 14 rebounds.
The Shockers dominated this series last year, winning all three contests. In the last contest, Wichita State won 73-57. Wichita State’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Shockers had 17 offensive rebounds and 44 total rebounds, while the Pirates had six and 32, respectively. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Wichita State figures to have a considerable edge. The Shockers defense ranks 30th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.440), while the East Carolina offense is ranked 300th in effective field goal percentage (0.468).
East Carolina Pirates at Wichita State Shockers Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Wichita State, ATS Winner – Wichita State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Wichita State ranks 115th in three pointers attempted per game (23.2) while East Carolina ranks 232nd (18.8).
- The Shockers rank 39th in blocks per game (4.5) while the Pirates rank 86th (3.5).
- Wichita State averages 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 69th in the country. East Carolina ranks 99th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
- The Shockers rank 26th in assists allowed per game (10.0) while the Pirates rank 135th (12.9).
- Wichita State ranks 25th in rebounds per game (40.6) while East Carolina ranks 102nd (37.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Pirates’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, up from 0.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Shockers have scored an average of 82.4 points per game (5.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (4.6 above their season average).
