The No. 23 Wichita State Shockers (14-1, 2-0 AAC) put their eight-game winning streak on the line when they go head-to-head with the UConn Huskies (10-5, 1-2 AAC) at XL Center. The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 12, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Wichita State Shockers vs. UConn Huskies Free Prediction
The last time the Shockers played, they beat the No. 21 Memphis Tigers, 76-67. Wichita State had a much better turnover percentage (10.8 vs. 20.3). Memphis, meanwhile, had a free throw rate of 0.411 (above their season average of 0.263). Wichita State received a boost from Jamarius Burton, who was the team’s high scorer with 16 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
The Huskies were victorious over the Tulane Green Wave in their last game, 67-61. The Huskies made 12 of their 16 free throws (75.0 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0 (above their season average of 31.9). Tyler Polley was the game’s leading scorer with 19 points on 7-for-15 shooting from the field.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this matchup between two of the country’s best defenses. UConn currently ranks 49th in defensive efficiency (90.8) and Wichita State is 14th (86.8).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last matchup, the Shockers won 65-63. The Shockers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 15.6) and had a better free throw rate (0.242 vs. 0.145).
Wichita State Shockers at UConn Huskies Free Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Wichita State, ATS Winner – Wichita State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
UConn ranks first in blocks per game (7.2) while Wichita State ranks 129th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
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).
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 nation with 9.9 assists allowed per game while UConn is 55th with 11.0 assists allowed per game.
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).
