East Carolina vs South Florida Prediction 1/14/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The South Florida Bulls and the East Carolina Pirates will meet on Wednesday night in an AAC matchup at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.

South Florida Bulls Betting Preview

The South Florida Bulls enter Wednesday’s contest with a 10–6 overall win-loss record, including a 6–1 mark at home and a 2-1 record in conference play. The Bulls have compiled wins over Florida A&M, Coppin State, Kennesaw State, Western Kentucky, Utah State, and Charleston, while dropping games to George Washington, Oklahoma State, VCU, and the Colorado State Rams. Earlier this season, in the South Florida Bulls thrilling 97-91 overtime win over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, South Florida guard Joseph Pinion tallied 16 points (4 of 11 shooting from three-point range), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block showcasing his ability to lead the Bulls backcourt.

The South Florida Bulls average 89.7 points (11th in country) on 44.1 percent shooting from the field and 32.7 percent shooting from three-point range per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Bulls are allowing opponents 81.7 points on 43.8 percent shooting from the field per contest.

Senior forward Izaiyah Nelson has been a strong presence in the paint for the South Florida Bulls, averaging 16.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Senior guard Josh Omojafo is averaging 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1 steal per contest. Senior guard Joseph Pinion provides the Bulls additional backcourt depth averaging 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.4 assists a game.

East Carolina Pirates Betting Preview

The East Carolina Pirates enter Wednesday’s matchup with a 5–11 record, including an 0–3 mark in conference play and an 0-4 record on the road. The Pirates have compiled wins over Buffalo and Georgia Southern, while dropping games to UAB, Temple, Tulane and the North Carolina Tar Heels. In the East Carolina Pirates 73–70 win over the Buffalo Bulls last month, East Carolina guard Jordan Riley amassed 31 points (10 of 22 shooting from the field), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block illustrating his ability to play both ends of the floor.

The East Carolina Pirates are averaging 68.2 points on 40.3 percent shooting from the field and 26.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Defensively, the Pirates are allowing opponents 77.5 points per contest on 46.1 percent shooting from the field.

Senior guard Jordan Riley leads the East Carolina Pirates with 22 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Sophomore guard Tybo Bailey is averaging 8.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal per contest. Senior center Giovanni Emejuru provides the Pirtates with a strong interior presence averaging 14.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1 steal and 1.6 blocks per game.

Why the South Florida Bulls Will Win

•             High powered offense. In eight games played this season, the South Florida Bulls are averaging 89.7 points per game which ranks 11th in the nation.

•             Multiple scoring options. Josh Omojafo, Joseph Pinion and Izaiyah Nelson can carry the offense.

•            Home court advantage. The South Florida Bulls are 6–1 at home this season.

Why the East Carolina Pirates Will Win

•             Guard play. Senior guard Jordan Riley averages 22 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game.

•              Frontcourt production. Senior center Giovanni Emejuru is averaging 14.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1 steal and 1.6 blocks per game.

South Florida Bulls vs. East Carolina Pirates Prediction

This matchup features South Florida’s explosive offense (Bulls average 89.7 points per game) and strong home court edge (6-1) against an East Carolina team that has struggled to generate consistent offensive basketball this season. The data tells me that the South Florida Bulls are the clear side to be on in this matchup. For that specific reason, I am backing the South Florida Bulls to win this game rather easily.

Hans Geevers's Pick: South Florida TBA