A five-game home winning streak is on the line for the East Carolina Pirates (7-8, 1-1 AAC) when they welcome the SMU Mustangs (12-2, 2-0 AAC) to Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. The game will air on ESPNU at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11, 2020.
SMU Mustangs vs. East Carolina Pirates Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Pirates barely escaped the South Florida Bulls 62-59, while the Mustangs were victorious over the UCF Knights 81-74.
SMU played a nearly flawless game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.296 (above their season average of 0.252) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.7 (above their season average of 35.9). UCF recorded marks of 0.153 and 25.8, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, East Carolina’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over South Florida. The Pirates had a rate of 0.530 (above their season average of 0.472), while the Bulls posted a mark of 0.386 (below their season average of 0.488). East Carolina’s Jayden Gardner had a good game, contributing 23 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Kendric Davis fueled SMU with 22 points and seven assists.
The Mustangs won the sole game between these two teams last season, 82-54. The Mustangs’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Pirates. SMU had a rate of 40.0, while East Carolina posted a mark of 24.4. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
SMU appears to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Mustangs rank sixth in offensive efficiency, while East Carolina ranks 192nd in defensive efficiency.
SMU vs. East Carolina ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Smu, ATS Winner – SMU, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- SMU ranks 10th in assists per game (17.1) while East Carolina ranks 125th in assists allowed per game (12.7).
- The Pirates rank 83rd in blocks per game (3.7) while the Mustangs rank 92nd in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- SMU averages 6.4 steals per game, which ranks 131st in the NCAA. East Carolina ranks 134th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
- The Mustangs rank 125th in three pointers attempted per game (22.4) while the Pirates rank 228th (18.5).
- SMU ranks 30th in rebounds per game (40.2) while East Carolina ranks 121st (36.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Pirates have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (2.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.2 points per game (6.9 below their season average).
- The Mustangs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.6, down from 10.6 for the season.
