It will be a showdown between two exceptional defenses when the 12th-ranked Houston Cougars (22-1, 9-1 AAC) take on the 25th-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats (20-3, 9-1 AAC) at Fertitta Center. The game can be seen on ESPN at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 10, 2019.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Houston Cougars Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Cougars defeated the UCF Knights 77-68, while the Bearcats beat the Memphis Tigers 69-64.
Cincinnati dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.207 (matching their season average) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.9 (below their season average of 36.9). Memphis recorded marks of 0.071 and 22.6, respectively, for those same stats. Houston, on the other hand, dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.7 (below their season average of 34.2) and a free throw rate of 0.351 (above their season average of 0.242). UCF recorded marks of 20.0 and 0.259, respectively, for those same stats. Houston’s Corey Davis Jr. had a good outing, putting up 26 points and five assists. Meanwhile, Cincinnati received a boost from Jarron Cumberland, who contributed 17 points, six rebounds and six assists.
The Bearcats captured this series last year, winning two out of three games. In the last game, Cincinnati won 56-55. Cincinnati’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Houston. The Bearcats had a rate of 0.261, while the Cougars posted a mark of 0.182. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the productive offense of Houston takes on the stingy defense of Cincinnati. The Cougars rank 55th in offensive efficiency, while the Bearcats are 30th in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Bearcats rank 16th in offensive rebounding percentage (36.9 percent), while the Cougars rank 55th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.9 percent).
Cincinnati at Houston ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Cincinnati, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Houston ranks 45th in three pointers attempted per game (26.1) while Cincinnati ranks 245th (19.2).
- The Cougars are 22nd in the nation with 2.4 blocks allowed per game while the Bearcats are 59th with 2.9 blocks allowed per game.
- Houston allows the 20th-fewest assists per game (10.6) while Cincinnati ranks 50th (11.5).
- The Cougars rank seventh in rebounds per game (41.8) while the Bearcats rank 147th (35.7).
- Cincinnati ranks third in steals allowed per game (4.2) while Houston ranks 69th (5.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 78.0 points per game (2.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 61.8 points per game (1.0 above their season average).
- The Bearcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.8, down from 13.1 for the season.
