Expect a defensive battle when the 23rd-ranked Wichita State Shockers (14-1, 2-0 AAC) square off with the UConn Huskies (10-5, 1-2 AAC) at XL Center. Action gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 12, 2020, and can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
Wichita State Shockers vs. UConn Huskies ATS Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Huskies defeated the Tulane Green Wave 67-61, while the Shockers beat the 21st-ranked Memphis Tigers 76-67.
Wichita State’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Memphis. The Shockers had a rate of 10.8 (better than their season average of 14.5), while the Tigers posted a mark of 20.3. UConn, on the other hand, played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.203 (matching their season average) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0 (above their season average of 31.9). Tulane had marks of 0.098 and 28.2, respectively, for those same stats. Tyler Polley fueled UConn with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Jamarius Burton had a good outing for Wichita State, putting up 16 points.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last matchup, the Shockers won 65-63. Wichita State’s rebounding was their largest strength. The Shockers had more offensive rebounds (13 vs. 5), defensive rebounds (27 vs. 26) and total rebounds (40 vs. 31). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this contest between two of the country’s premier defenses. UConn currently ranks 49th in defensive efficiency (90.8) and Wichita State is 14th (86.8).
Wichita State Shockers at UConn Huskies ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Wichita State, ATS Winner – Wichita State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UConn averages 7.2 blocks per game, which ranks first in the nation. Wichita State ranks 129th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
- The Huskies rank 19th in three pointers allowed per game (17.5) while the Shockers rank 67th (19.9).
- Wichita State is 26th in the country with 9.9 assists allowed per game while UConn is 55th with 11.0 assists allowed per game.
- The Shockers average 40.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 30th in the nation. The Huskies rank 154th in rebounds allowed per game (35.9).
- Wichita State ranks 45th in steals allowed per game (5.6) while UConn ranks 123rd (6.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Shockers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.6, down from 14.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 67.0 points per game (0.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 62.4 points per game (3.2 above their season average).
