SMU Mustangs vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Prediction 03/15/19

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The 24th-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats (25-6, 14-4 AAC) will be in the American Athletic Conference Tournament at FedExForum when they meet the SMU Mustangs (15-16, 7-12 AAC). Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, March 15, 2019, and can be seen on ESPNU.

SMU Mustangs vs. Cincinnati Bearcats ATS Odds

In their last contest, the Bearcats lost to the 12th-ranked Houston Cougars, 85-69, while the Mustangs beat the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, 74-65.

The Mustangs knocked down 16 of their 22 free throws (72.7 percent) and held the Golden Hurricane to an effective field goal percentage of 0.424 (below their season average of 0.516). Cincinnati, meanwhile, did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (25-33; 75.8 percent). Cincinnati received a boost from Nysier Brooks, who put up 16 points and six rebounds. Jahmal McMurray, meanwhile fueled SMU with 27 points and five assists.

Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Cincinnati currently ranks 335th in possessions per game (65.1) and SMU is 329th (65.4). Additionally, the Mustangs commit the 59th-fewest errors in the country (turnover percentage of 16.8 percent), while the pesky defense of the Bearcats causes the 38th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 21.7 percent).

SMU Mustangs vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Pick

Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Cincinnati, ATS Winner – Cincinnati, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Cincinnati ranks 40th in assists allowed per game (11.2) while SMU ranks 251st (15.4).
  • The Bearcats rank 15th in rebounds allowed per game (31.0) while the Mustangs rank 125th (34.4).
  • Cincinnati is second in the nation with 3.8 steals allowed per game while SMU is 14th with 4.9 steals allowed per game.
  • The Mustangs rank 81st in three pointers attempted per game (24.4) while the Bearcats rank 270th (19.2).
  • SMU ranks 47th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Cincinnati ranks 163rd (3.8).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Bearcats have scored an average of 62.2 points per game (9.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.2 points per game (2.2 above their season average).
  • The Mustangs have been outscored by an average of 2.2 points in their last five games. On the season, SMU has defeated opponents by an average of 2.0 points.