The Cincinnati Bearcats (12-2, 1-0 AAC) will be at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum to take on the East Carolina Pirates (7-6, 0-1 AAC) in an AAC matchup. Action begins at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019, and can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. East Carolina Pirates Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Pirates won big over the Delaware State Hornets, 81-56, while the Bearcats were beaten by the Ohio State Buckeyes, 64-56.
East Carolina played a flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.344 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.9. For those same stats, Delaware State recorded marks of 0.158 and 20.5, respectively. Cincinnati, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (12.3 vs. 18.7). East Carolina’s Isaac Fleming led the way, finishing with 12 points. Jarron Cumberland, meanwhile fueled Cincinnati with 22 points.
The Bearcats won the sole game between these two teams last year, 86-60. The Bearcats’ 7.8 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Pirates, who had a rate of 19.0. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Cumberland has been exceptional recently for Cincinnati, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
East Carolina might struggle to score as they go head-to-head against one of the nation’s best defenses. Cincinnati ranks 27th in defensive efficiency, while the Pirates rank 309th in offensive efficiency.
Cincinnati vs. East Carolina Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Cincinnati, ATS Winner – East Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Cincinnati ranks third in steals allowed per game (4.1) while East Carolina ranks 162nd (7.8).
- The Bearcats rank 258th in three pointers attempted per game (17.2) while the Pirates rank 261st (16.8).
- East Carolina ranks 33rd in assists allowed per game (10.7) while Cincinnati ranks 34th (10.7).
- The Bearcats rank fifth in rebounds allowed per game (28.7) while the Pirates rank 109th (34.5).
- Cincinnati averages 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 26th in the country. East Carolina ranks 97th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Pirates’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.0, up from 1.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bearcats have scored an average of 70.4 points per game (5.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 57.0 points per game (1.2 below their season average).
