A 16-game home winning streak is on the line for the 23rd-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats (24-4, 13-2 AAC) when they square off with the Memphis Tigers (18-11, 10-6 AAC) at Fifth Third Arena. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019, and can be seen on ESPNU.
Memphis Tigers at Cincinnati Bearcats ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Bearcats edged the SMU Mustangs 52-49, while the Tigers beat the Temple Owls 81-73.
The Tigers made 18 of their 25 free throws (72.0 percent) and held the Owls to an effective field goal percentage of 0.421 (below their season average of 0.504). The Bearcats, meanwhile, made 14 of their 15 free throws (93.3 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 43.8 (above their season average of 36.8). Cincinnati received a boost from Nysier Brooks, who put up eight points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Martin led the way for Memphis, recording 30 points and five assists.
In their first matchup this season, Jarron Cumberland led the Bearcats to a 69-64 win. He put up 17 points, six rebounds and six assists. Cincinnati’s 0.207 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Memphis, who had a rate of 0.071.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play a significant role in this contest. Cincinnati commits the 31st-fewest miscues in the country (turnover percentage of 16.3 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Memphis forces the 42nd-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 21.8 percent). This contest should be a battle of conflicting styles. The up-and-down Tigers rank 10th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Bearcats rank 330th.
Memphis Tigers at Cincinnati Bearcats Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Memphis, ATS Winner – Memphis, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Cincinnati ranks second in steals allowed per game (4.0) while Memphis ranks 215th (8.0).
- The Bearcats rank 26th in blocks per game (4.6) while the Tigers rank 183rd in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
- Memphis ranks 153rd in three pointers attempted per game (22.6) while Cincinnati ranks 264th (19.1).
- The Bearcats rank 39th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while the Tigers rank 239th (15.5).
- Cincinnati ranks 10th in rebounds allowed per game (30.3) while Memphis ranks 180th (35.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bearcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 11.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 84.4 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.4 points per game (0.3 below their season average).
