Tulane vs East Carolina Prediction College Basketball Picks 2/18/24

The Tulane Green Wave will play the East Carolina Pirates in an AAC game on Sunday afternoon at Minges Coliseum in Greenville, North Carolina. Tulane has lost five of their last six games, while East Carolina is on a two game winning streak. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Tulane vs East Carolina prediction. 

Tulane Preview

The Tulane Green Wave are 13-11 (4-8) this year after they lost to SMU by a score of 87-79 in their last game. Tulane led 41-37 at halftime, but was out scored 50-38 in the second half in the loss. The Green Wave shot 45.2% from the field and were -8 in rebounding margin in the game. Tulane lost to Memphis by a score of 90-78 in the game prior to SMU, but did beat Temple before that. The Green Wave are scoring 84.5 points per game with 33.8 rebounds per game and 14.3 assists per game, while allowing 80.1 points against per game this year. Kevin Cross is averaging 18.2 points per game, 7.6 rebounds per game, and 4.5 assists per game. Tulane is shooting 48.2% from the field, 74.3% on free throws, and 35.4% on three pointers this season. 

East Carolina Preview

The East Carolina Pirates are 13-12 (6-6) this season after they defeated Wichita State by a score of 68-55 in their last game. East Carolina led 38-27 at the half and they were able to get the win, despite only scoring 30 points in the second half. The Pirates shot 45.5% from the field and were +3 in rebounding margin in the game. East Carolina defeated UTSA by a score of 84-73 in the game prior to Wichita State, but lost to Charlotte and USF before that. The Pirates are scoring 69.4 points per game with 35.5 rebounds per game and 11.6 assists per game, while giving up 67.8 points against per game this season. RJ Felton is averaging 16.4 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game, and 1.9 steals per game. East Carolina is shooting 41.8% from the field, 70.1% on free throws, and 30.3% on three pointers this year. 

Tulane vs East Carolina Betting Prediction

These two teams come into this matchup trending in different directions, as Tulane has lost five of their last six games and East Carolina has won two in a row. The Green Wave are a very high scoring team that shoots over 48% from the field, but they allow over 80 points against per game on defense. Tulane has allowed 87, 90, 80, and 80 points in their last four games. East Carolina only shoots 41.8% from the field, but they play much better defense. I think this game could go either way, but I am going to side with the better defensive team at home. Take ECU here. 

David Racey's Pick: East Carolina ML