Betsided

East Carolina vs. Memphis Prediction and Odds (Pirates Gunning for a Second ATS win Over the Tigers)

By Matt De Saro

The East Carolina Pirates have a chance to upset the Memphis Tigers twice in a row as 12 point underdogs on the road.
The East Carolina Pirates have a chance to upset the Memphis Tigers twice in a row as 12 point underdogs on the road. / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
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The Memphis Tigers are out for revenge tonight at home after being upset by the East Carolina Pirates less than two weeks ago on the road. It was just another odd result in what has been a very off-season for the Memphis Tigers. They have an amazing team on paper but are just 4-4 in conference play and rank sixth in the AAC. The Penny Hardaway-led Tigers had national championship aspirations but are not just fighting to make it to the tournament. The Tigers are also on an 0-6 ATS losing streak and have not covered a game since New Year’s Day. They are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games and just can’t seem to cover as a favorite. It is an odd twist after the team started 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS. 

On the flip side, the Pirates are on a terrible run with the only bright light being their win over Memphis. They have lost four of their last five but are 4-2 ATS in their previous six. Here are the odds for this AAC brawl, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

East Carolina vs. Memphis Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • East Carolina +12 (-110)
  • Memphis -12 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • East Carolina +560
  • Memphis -800

Total: 148 (Over -105/Under -115)

East Carolina vs. Memphis Prediction and Pick

I gotta say, this feels like one hell of a trap game if I’ve ever seen one. Let’s look at the facts. First off, the Pirates beat Memphis 72-71 just two weeks back. While I fully expect them to get their revenge tonight, 12 points are just too much for a team that has played as inconsistent as the Tigers have. Second is the Tigers’ ATS record that sits at 5-12-1 on the year. They are 2-5-1 ATS as home favorites and 1-6-1 ATS in conference games. 

East Carolina, meanwhile, is 2-1 ATS as a road underdog and 4-2 ATS in conference play. The Pirates are a pretty average team overall, to be honest, but one already that beat the Tigers this month. They shoot around 50 percent from the field and 36 percent from behind the arc. 

Memphis has the better team and a much better scoring offense. But, they also suffer from butterfingers and turn the ball over nearly 25 percent of their total possessions. It doesn’t matter how good your team shoots if they give away one in four chances to score. If the Pirates can stay hot from deep, I think they can cover this spread with ease. 

Lean: East Carolina Pirates +12 (-110)

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