Offense meets defense when the SMU Mustangs (16-6, 6-4 AAC) welcome the UConn Huskies (13-10, 4-6 AAC) to Moody Coliseum. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, and will air on ESPNews.
UConn Huskies vs. SMU Mustangs Free Prediction
The Huskies will be looking for a similar outcome after narrowly defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats in their last matchup, 72-71. The Huskies had a better free throw rate (0.197 vs. 0.121) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.9 (above their season average of 32.9). Christian Vital played a pivotal role for UConn with 19 points and five rebounds.
The last time the Mustangs were in action, they lost to the Temple Owls, 97-90. Temple’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over SMU. The Owls had a rate of 0.669 (above their season average of 0.461), while the Mustangs posted a mark of 0.545. Kendric Davis put together a good performance for SMU, leading the team in scoring with 23 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
This battle pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. SMU ranks 13th in offensive efficiency and UConn ranks 34th in defensive efficiency.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Mustangs won the last game 77-59. SMU did a terrific job of making free throws (13-15; 86.7 percent). UConn, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (11.7 vs. 22.3).
UConn Huskies at SMU Mustangs Free Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – SMU, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
UConn ranks 10th in three pointers allowed per game (16.9) while SMU ranks 250th (24.9).
The Mustangs rank 10th in assists per game (16.8) while the Huskies rank 178th (12.7).
SMU ranks 45th in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while UConn ranks 184th (35.9).
The Huskies rank second in blocks per game (6.6) while the Mustangs rank 117th (3.2).
UConn ranks 99th in steals per game (6.9) while SMU ranks 168th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.2, down from 5.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Mustangs have scored an average of 74.6 points per game (1.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (4.1 above their season average).