AAC foes will battle when the Connecticut Huskies (7-5) take on the No. 8 Wichita State Shockers (10-2) at XL Center. Action gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 30, 2017.
Wichita State Shockers at Connecticut Huskies Betting Preview
In the Shockers last matchup, they beat the FGCU Eagles, 75-65. With 15 points and 13 rebounds, Wichita State’s Darral Willis Jr. played well. Wichita State played a nearly perfect game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.393 (above their season average of 0.255) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.473 (below their season average of 0.571). FGCU was 0.088 and 0.434, respectively, for those same stats.
The Huskies are trying to rebound after their 89-64 loss to the Auburn Tigers in their last outing. Jalen Adams was the top scorer from either team with 14 points on 5-for-15 shooting. Auburn’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Connecticut. The Tigers had a rate of 8.9 (better than their season average of 16.2), while the Huskies posted a mark of 14.8.
The offense of Connecticut will go head-to-head against the elite defense of Wichita State. The Huskies currently rank 290th in offensive efficiency, while the Shockers are 95th in defensive efficiency. The Shockers figure to have the edge on that end of the court.
Landry Shamet has really been playing well over the last five games for Wichita State, averaging 19.4 points and 6.2 assists per game.
Wichita State Shockers vs. Connecticut Huskies ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Wichita State, ATS Winner – Wichita State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Huskies rank 40th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Shockers rank 88th (6.3).
- Wichita State averages 4.6 blocks per game, which ranks 52nd in the NCAA. Connecticut ranks 68th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
- Wichita State ranks 20th in assists per game (18.0) while Connecticut ranks 236th (9.3).
- The Shockers average 43.0 rebounds per game, which ranks seventh in the nation. The Huskies rank 165th in rebounds allowed per game (35.6).
- Wichita State averages 23.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 96th in the nation. Connecticut ranks 196th in three pointers allowed per game (24.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Huskies average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.6, up from 3.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Shockers have scored an average of 84.0 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.4 points per game (6.6 above their season average).
