The East Carolina Pirates (10-16, 4-9 AAC) will have their hands full against the NCAA’s top shooting defense when they challenge the Memphis Tigers (17-8, 6-6 AAC) at FedExForum. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 19, 2020.
Game Odds: Memphis opens as a 13 point home favorites, with a total of 141 at Draftkings on the NJ Sports Betting App.
East Carolina Pirates at Memphis Tigers Betting Prediction
The Pirates are trying to rebound after their 70-67 loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats in their last game. Cincinnati’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over East Carolina. The Bearcats had a rate of 30.6 (below their season average of 31.8), while the Pirates posted a mark of 23.1 (below their season average of 28.4). Tristen Newton had a solid performance for East Carolina, finishing with 11 points and five rebounds.
The last time the Tigers played, they let one slip away to the UConn Huskies, 64-61. One of UConn’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 18-20 (90.0 percent), while the Tigers were just 11-18 (61.1 percent). With 16 points and 13 rebounds, Precious Achiuwa had a good game for Memphis.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Memphis should have a significant edge. The Tigers defense ranks first in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.419), while the East Carolina offense is ranked 311th in effective field goal percentage (0.466).
After the Tigers won both matchups against the Pirates last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent game, Memphis won 79-69. Memphis’ effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over East Carolina. The Tigers had a rate of 0.620 while the Pirates posted a mark of 0.429.
East Carolina Pirates at Memphis Tigers Betting Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Memphis, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Memphis ranks 36th in steals per game (8.1) while East Carolina ranks 165th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
The Tigers rank fourth in blocks per game (6.3) while the Pirates rank 117th (3.1).
Memphis ranks 22nd in rebounds per game (39.8) while East Carolina ranks 131st (35.9).
The Tigers average 14.2 assists per game, which ranks 79th in the nation. The Pirates rank 175th in assists allowed per game (13.4).
Memphis ranks 228th in three pointers attempted per game (19.5) while East Carolina ranks 236th (19.3).
The Pirates’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.8, up from 2.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 73.8 points per game (0.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.8 points per game (6.6 above their season average).