Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Betting Prediction

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It will be a matchup between two exceptional defenses when the 18th-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs (8-1) take on the Cincinnati Bearcats (9-1) at Humphrey Coliseum. Action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018, and can be seen on SEC Network.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs ATS Odds

In their last game, the Bulldogs had no trouble getting past the Austin Peay Governors, 95-67, while the Bearcats were beaten by the Ohio State Buckeyes, 64-56.

The Bulldogs had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.633 vs. 0.415) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.3 vs. 20.4). Cincinnati, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (12.3 vs. 18.7). Aric Holman fueled Mississippi State with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Cincinnati, meanwhile, was led by Jarron Cumberland, who had 22 points.

The Bearcats won the sole game between these two teams last season, 65-50. One of Cincinnati’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 14-16 (87.5 percent), while the Bulldogs were just 6-8 (75.0 percent).

Cumberland has been solid recently for Cincinnati, averaging 0 points over the last five games.

This showdown pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Since last season, Mississippi State ranks 40th in offensive efficiency and Cincinnati ranks 12th in defensive efficiency.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Free Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Mississippi State, ATS Winner – Mississippi State, O/U – Over

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • Mississippi State ranks 44th in three pointers attempted per game (22.5) while Cincinnati ranks 285th (19.5).
  • The Bearcats are fourth in the country with 30.8 rebounds allowed per game while the Bulldogs are 31st with 33.6 rebounds allowed per game.
  • Both of these teams are great at blocking the ball. Cincinnati is 18th in the NCAA with 5.3 blocks per game while Mississippi State is 40th with 5.2 blocks per game.
  • The Bulldogs rank 28th in assists per game (13.9) while the Bearcats rank 91st (15.6).
  • Mississippi State averages 6.8 steals per game, which ranks 42nd in the nation. Cincinnati ranks 12th in steals allowed per game (4.8).