Expect a low-scoring game when the Northern Kentucky Norse (8-1) square off against the Cincinnati Bearcats (7-1) at Fifth Third Arena. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, and can be seen on ESPN 3.
Northern Kentucky Norse at Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Bearcats defeated the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 65-61, while the Norse won big over the UMBC Retrievers 78-60.
Northern Kentucky’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over UMBC. The Norse had a rate of 0.637 (above their season average of 0.580), while the Retrievers posted a mark of 0.368 (below their season average of 0.490). Cincinnati, on the other hand, was 6-12 on three pointers (50.0 percent), while UNLV was 7-24 (29.2 percent). Cincinnati’s Keith Williams played well, putting up 15 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Dantez Walton played a key role for Northern Kentucky with 19 points and five rebounds.
This matchup pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Since the 2017-18 season, Cincinnati ranks 33rd in offensive efficiency and Northern Kentucky ranks sixth in defensive efficiency.
Northern Kentucky vs. Cincinnati Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Cincinnati, ATS Winner – Northern Kentucky, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Northern Kentucky ranks 76th in three pointers attempted per game (24.2) while Cincinnati ranks 250th (19.7).
- The Bearcats rank 16th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Norse rank 73rd (5.6).
- Northern Kentucky ranks 19th in assists per game (16.7) while Cincinnati ranks 50th (15.6).
- The Bearcats average 5.3 blocks per game, which ranks 11th in the nation. The Norse rank 155th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- Cincinnati ranks 13th in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while Northern Kentucky ranks 78th (33.3).
