The East Carolina Pirates (1-2) will be at home in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum when they challenge the Cleveland State Vikings (1-2). East Carolina is a 6.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 139.5 points. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Monday, November 20, 2017.
Cleveland State Vikings at East Carolina Pirates Betting Preview
The Vikings dismantled the Coppin State Eagles in their last contest, 80-56. Kenny Carpenter was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 10-for-17 shooting. The Vikings had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.686 vs. 0.392) and had a better free throw rate (0.196 vs. 0.150).
In the Pirates last matchup, they were blown out by the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils, 79-68. With 19 points, East Carolinas Kentrell Barkley played well. Central Connecticut State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.9 vs. 17.1). East Carolina, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (12.2 vs. 17.6).
East Carolina could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they go head-to-head against one of the worst offenses in the NCAA. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Pirates rank ninth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.449), while Cleveland State is 322nd in effective field goal percentage (0.466). Also, the Vikings, who rank 329th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.199), will face off against the Pirates, who rank 50th in opponents FTA rate (0.205).
Since last season, the Vikings have had records of 10-24 straight up (SU) and 9-21-1 against the spread (ATS). Cleveland State games have finished under the projected point total 51.6 percent of the time since last season.
Meanwhile, the Pirates, are 16-20 SU and 15-11 ATS since last season. Over that same period, games involving East Carolina have had a tendency to go over the projected point total (53.8 percent).
Cleveland State Vikings vs. East Carolina Pirates Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Cleveland State, ATS Winner – Cleveland State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Pirates rank 104th in assists allowed per game (12.5) while the Vikings rank 245th (14.4).
- Cleveland State ranks 93rd in three pointers attempted per game (23.0) while East Carolina ranks 137th in three pointers allowed per game (20.8).
- East Carolina ranks 73rd in rebounds per game (37.9) while Cleveland State ranks 264th (33.3).
- The Vikings rank 66th in steals per game (7.0) while the Pirates rank 248th (5.0).
- East Carolina ranks 25th in blocks per game (4.9) while Cleveland State ranks 176th (3.0).
