Gardner-Webb vs East Carolina Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/21/24

The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs are visiting the East Carolina Pirates on Saturday, December 21st at the Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs vs East Carolina Pirates Prediction.

East Carolina Pirates Preview

The East Carolina Pirates have an 8-4 record this season and are coming off a 75-64 win over Florida International. The Pirates are 5-5 against the spread, and 5-5 in over/under, while they have a 6-2 home record. 

Offensively, East Carolina is averaging 77.1 points per game, which ranks 154th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 69.4 points per game (138th). The Pirates shoot with 44.3% from the field (221st), and with 28.7% from beyond the arc (344th). The Pirates shoot with 71.9% from the free-throw line (162nd), and are grabbing 39.4 rebounds per game (58th).

CJ Walker leads East Carolina in scoring with an average of 17.6 points and a team-high 6.8 rebounds, while RJ Felton adds 17.3 points and 6.6 rebounds.

Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs Preview

The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs have a 4-8 record this season and are coming off an 81-86 loss in Georgia Southern. The Bulldogs are 6-6 against the spread, and 10-2 in over/under, while having a 1-6 road record this season. 

Offensively, Gardner-Webb is averaging 73.4 points per game, which ranks 240th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 78.1 points per game (323rd). The Bulldogs shoot with 48.4% from the field (52nd), and with 33.8% from beyond the arc (180th). The Bulldogs shoot with 68.6% from the free-throw line (260th), and are grabbing 35 rebounds per game (251st).

Anthony Selden leads Gardner-Webb in scoring with an average of 15.8 points and 3.8 rebounds, while Daryl Simmons adds 15.3 points.

Why the East Carolina Pirates will win

• East Carolina has won 17 of its last 19 day games against non-Conference opponents at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
• Gardner-Webb has lost each of its last five games.
• East Carolina has won the first half in each of its last six day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs will win

• East Carolina has lost three of its last four games.
• Gardner-Webb has won the first half in six of its last eight day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Gardner-Webb’s last five games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 152+ points.
• Each of East Carolina’s last four games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 143 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• East Carolina ranks T42nd among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.4).
• East Carolina ranks 46th among Division 1 teams for free throw attempts per game this season (23.8).
• Gardner-Webb ranks 360th among Division 1 teams for turnover percentage this season (20.7%).
• Gardner-Webb ranks 357th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (16.8).

Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs vs East Carolina Pirates Prediction

East Carolina has won all three previous meetings against Gardner-Webb, covering the spread in all three. In this Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs vs East Carolina Pirates Prediction, East Carolina is coming as -10.5 home favorites. East Carolina is better both offensively, scoring 3.7 points more than Gardner-Webb, and defensively, allowing 8.7 points less. The Pirates are on the top half of the nation both offensively and defensively, while the Bulldogs is a bottom-40 team defensively. East Carolina also has a huge edge on the glass, as they grab 4.4 rebounds more than Gardner-Webb. I expect the hosts to get the job done, so take the East Carolina Pirates and lay the -10.5 points at home.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: East Carolina Pirates -10.5