It will be a battle between AAC opponents when the South Florida Bulls (8-10, 1-4 AAC) welcome the Wichita State Shockers (15-3, 3-2 AAC) to the Yuengling Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, and will air on ESPNews.
Wichita State Shockers vs. South Florida Bulls ATS Prediction
In the Shockers’ last game, they were topped by the Houston Cougars, 65-54. One of Houston’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 19-23 (82.6 percent), while the Shockers were just 13-24 (54.2 percent). Tyson Etienne was Wichita State’s leading scorer with 10 points on 2-for-5 shooting.
The Bulls lost a tough one against the UCF Knights in their last outing, 55-54. UCF’s 0.500 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over South Florida, who had a mark of 0.393. The Knights’ mark was above their season average of 0.485, while the Bulls’ was below their season average of 0.482. With 11 points on 5-for-6 shooting, Michael Durr led South Florida in scoring.
After the Bulls won the lone game against the Shockers last season, 54-41, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Bulls knocked down 18 of their 24 free throws (75.0 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.360 vs. 0.302).
The ineffective offense of South Florida (301st in the country with an offensive efficiency of 95.9) will go head-to-head against the elite defense of Wichita State (19th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 88.4). The Shockers figure to have the advantage on that end of the court. It will also be a tale of two paces as the quick-paced Shockers rank 52nd in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Bulls rank 315th.
Wichita State at South Florida Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: ATS Winner – South Florida, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Wichita State ranks 29th in rebounds per game (39.9) while South Florida ranks 235th (33.4).
The Shockers rank 70th in assists per game (14.5) while the Bulls rank 232nd (10.4).
South Florida averages 8.7 steals per game, which ranks 26th in the NCAA. Wichita State ranks 79th in steals allowed per game (6.1).
The Shockers rank 49th in three pointers allowed per game (19.0) while the Bulls rank 66th (19.8).
Wichita State ranks 69th in blocks per game (3.8) while South Florida ranks 72nd in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
The Shockers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 10.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 63.2 points per game (0.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.4 points per game (3.1 above their season average).
