The Connecticut Huskies (13-14, 6-8 AAC) and the No. 11 Cincinnati Bearcats (23-4, 12-2 AAC), who both like to play slow, will clash at BB&T Arena. Cincinnati is a 19-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 130.5 points. Action starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 22, 2018.
Connecticut Huskies at Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Preview
In the Huskies’ last matchup, they defeated the East Carolina Pirates, 84-80. Jalen Adams led Connecticut in scoring with 26 points on 10-for-18 shooting. The Huskies had a ridiculous effective field goal percentage of 0.700 (above their season average of 0.464) and had a better turnover percentage (15.4 vs. 16.9).
The Bearcats are hoping for a better outcome after their 76-72 loss to the No. 19 Wichita State Shockers in their last contest. With 11 points and eight rebounds, Cincinnati’s Gary Clark put together a solid performance. Wichita State had a better effective field goal percentage (0.608 vs. 0.548). Cincinnati, on the other hand, forced the Shockers into a turnover percentage of 20.1 (above their season average of 14.1).
Cincinnati could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their high-octane offense goes up against one of the worst defenses in the nation. The Bearcats currently rank 40th in offensive efficiency, while Connecticut ranks 263rd in defensive efficiency.
These two teams are complete opposites in terms of the O/U total. Connecticut games have gone over 56.5 percent of the time, while 60.9 percent of games involving Cincinnati have finished under. The Bearcats hold a sizable advantage in terms of straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records. They are 23-4 SU and 14-10 ATS, while the Huskies are 13-14 SU and 8-16 ATS.
Christian Vital has been on fire over the last five games for Connecticut, averaging 16.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined to score 122 points in that game, which was under the projected point total of 127.5. The Bearcats won 65-57, but were unable to cover as 12.5-point favorites. The Bearcats dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.360 and a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 29.4. The Huskies were 0.218 and 24.3, respectively, for those same stats. Kyle Washington recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Connecticut Huskies at Cincinnati Bearcats Odds Prediction
Pick: SU Winner – Cincinnati, ATS Winner – Cincinnati, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Bearcats rank 28th in steals per game (7.7) while the Huskies rank 141st (6.0).
- Cincinnati ranks 11th in blocks per game (5.5) while Connecticut ranks 81st (3.9).
- Cincinnati is 7-4 ATS at home, while Connecticut is 4-9 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 8 of the Huskies’ 13 road games, while 6 of the Bearcats’ 11 home games have gone over.
- Cincinnati ranks 40th in assists per game (16.0) while Connecticut ranks 273rd (10.3).
- The Bearcats average 39.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 20th in the NCAA. The Huskies rank 231st in rebounds allowed per game (36.6).
- Cincinnati ranks 80th in three pointers allowed per game (20.3) while Connecticut ranks 242nd (24.6).
Bettings Trends:
- Cincinnati is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Connecticut is 1-4 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Bearcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.2, down from 18.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 70.8 points per game (2.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.6 points per game (3.3 above their season average).
