East Carolina Pirates vs North Texas Mean Green Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our North Texas vs East Carolina NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Greenville.

North Texas vs East Carolina Prediction

The Mean Green and Pirates are set to face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Pirates will host the game at Minges Coliseum in Greenville, NC. North Texas is favored by -3 in this American Athletic conference matchup the against East Carolina. The over/under for the game is set at 128.5 points.

North Texas vs. East Carolina Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: North Texas Mean Green at East Carolina Pirates
Where: Greenville at Minges Coliseum
Date: Tuesday, January 14th
Betting Odds NTX -3, NTX -166 | ECAR +138 O/U 128.5

Mean Green Preview: Do the Mean Green Have a Shot at a Road Win?

North Texas Mean Green Recent Game/Games

North Texas improved their record to 9-4 with an 81-59 win over Rice on Wednesday. The Mean Green were favored by 10.5 points and covered the spread, while the game’s total points of 140 exceeded the O/U line of 122.5.

North Texas led 42-28 at halftime and continued their strong play in the 2nd half, outscoring Rice 39-31.

Mean Green Offense Breakdown

North Texas put up 81 points in their last game, shooting 55.1% from the field and hitting 11 of 20 threes at a 55% clip. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 65.3%, and they were nearly perfect from the free-throw line, making 16 of 17 attempts (94.1%).

Atin Wright led the way with 21 points, connecting on 4 of 7 from beyond the arc. Brenen Lorient added 19 points, going 2 for 2 from three and 5 for 8 overall. The Mean Green finished with 10 assists and 5 offensive rebounds in the win.

Mean Green Team Defense

North Texas struggled defensively, giving up 59 points on 55% shooting from the field. Their opponents were efficient both inside and out, hitting 55% of their two-point attempts (16/29) and 55% from beyond the arc (11/20).

At the free-throw line, North Texas sent their opponents to the stripe 17 times, where they converted 16 for 94%. The Mean Green did manage to limit second-chance opportunities, allowing just 5 offensive rebounds.

Pirates Preview: Can East Carolina Deliver Being Underdogs at Home?

East Carolina Pirates Recent Game/Games

East Carolina’s record dropped to 7-8 after a 74-70 road loss to Memphis on Saturday. The Pirates entered the game as +12.5 point underdogs but managed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 144, slightly below the O/U line of 148.5.

ECU found themselves in a 38-24 hole at halftime but responded with a strong 2nd half, outscoring Memphis 46-36. Despite the loss, the Pirates’ ability to keep the game close and cover the spread is a positive takeaway.

Pirates Offense Breakdown

East Carolina's offense put up 70 points in their last game, shooting 39.3% from the field and hitting just 25% from three-point range (5/20). Their effective field goal percentage was 42.6%, and they connected on 73.9% of their free throws (17/23). The Pirates grabbed 14 offensive rebounds and dished out 10 assists.

PJ Haggerty led the way with 25 points, shooting 43.8% overall and 20% from deep (1/5). C.J. Walker added 23 points, hitting 66.7% of his threes (2/3) and grabbing 7 rebounds. RJ Felton contributed 20 points and 13 rebounds, despite shooting 22.2% from three (2/9).

Pirates Team Defense

East Carolina's defense gave up 74 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 41% from the field. Inside the arc, the Pirates allowed 50% shooting, as their opponents connected on 19 of 38 two-point attempts.

From beyond the three-point line, East Carolina held their opponents to 26% shooting, as they made just 6 of 23 attempts. The Pirates also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 23 times, where they hit 18, good for 78%. East Carolina gave up 13 offensive rebounds in the game.

Mean Green vs Pirates Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

In their last ten games away from home, the Mean Green have a straight up record of 5-5 while going 6-4 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 68 points per game in these contests.
Through their last five home contests, the Pirates offense has averaged 67 points per game while allowing an average of 73. East Carolina posted an overall record of 1-4 while going 2-3 ATS.
As the betting underdog, the Pirates have an ATS mark of just 1-1-1 in their last three games. East Carolina posted a straight up mark of 0-3 in these matchups.
As the betting favorite, the Mean Green have an ATS mark of just 5-5 in their last ten games. North Texas posted a straight up mark of 9-1 in these matchups.