The No. 6 Cincinnati Bearcats (22-2, 11-0 AAC) will attempt to prolong their 15-game winning streak against the SMU Mustangs (15-9, 5-6 AAC) at Moody Coliseum. The games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 126.5 points with Cincinnati opening as an 8-point favorite. Action begins at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 11, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPN.
Cincinnati Bearcats at SMU Mustangs ATS Preview
In the Bearcats last contest, they had no trouble getting past the UCF Knights, 77-40. With 12 points and five rebounds, Cincinnati’s Gary Clark played well. Cincinnati played a nearly perfect game. They had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 40.5 (above their season average of 39.1) and a turnover percentage of 11.8 (better than their season average of 15.2). For those same stats, UCF put up marks of 16.2 and 22.3, respectively.
The Mustangs are hoping for a better outcome after their 67-58 loss to the Houston Cougars in their last game. With 13 points and seven rebounds, Akoy Agau played well for SMU. Houston’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over SMU. The Cougars had a rate of 36.7 (above their season average of 34.2), while the Mustangs posted a mark of 21.9 (below their season average of 33.5).
This showdown pits one of the nations top offenses against one of its elite defenses. SMU ranks 40th in offensive efficiency and Cincinnati ranks first in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Bearcats, who rank second in offensive rebounding percentage (39.2 percent), will clash against the Mustangs, who rank 253rd in defensive rebounding percentage (69.6 percent).
Of Cincinnati’s 20 games with betting action, 13 have finished under the projected point total, while 10 of SMU’s 19 games have finished under the O/U total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Bearcats have a substantial advantage. They are 22-2 SU and 13-8 ATS, while the Mustangs are 15-9 SU and 9-10 ATS.
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined to put up 132 points in that game, which was just over the projected point total of 127.5. The Bearcats won 76-56, covering as 8-point favorites. The Bearcats played a perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 13.5 and a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 39.4. The Mustangs recorded marks of 23.9 and 26.5, respectively, for those same stats. Clark was a standout player in the game, producing 18 points and eight rebounds.
Cincinnati Bearcats at SMU Mustangs Betting Prediction
Prediction: SU Winner – Cincinnati, ATS Winner – Cincinnati, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Mustangs rank 18th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while the Bearcats rank 38th (5.2).
- Cincinnati ranks 197th in three pointers attempted per game (20.8) while SMU ranks 215th in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
- On the road, Cincinnati is 6-5 ATS with 9 unders and 2 overs.
- SMU is 6-3 ATS at home with 5 unders and 4 overs.
- Cincinnati ranks 10th in rebounds per game (40.5) while SMU ranks 214th (34.0).
- The Bearcats rank sixth in assists allowed per game (9.7) while the Mustangs rank 141st (13.5).
- Cincinnati ranks 11th in blocks per game (5.6) while SMU ranks 111th (3.3).
Bettings Trends:
- SMU is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Cincinnati is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
- The Mustangs average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.4, down from 9.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bearcats have scored an average of 71.8 points per game (4.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 51.4 points per game (4.7 below their season average).
