The SMU Mustangs (12-8, 4-4 AAC) and their outstanding offense head to Cincinnati to take on the Bearcats (18-3, 7-1 AAC) and their superb defense. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019, and can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
SMU Mustangs at Cincinnati Bearcats ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Bearcats beat the Temple Owls, 72-68, while the Mustangs lost a winnable game to the Wichita State Shockers, 85-83.
The Bearcats, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.7, had an extraordinary mark of 45.7 and had a free throw rate of 0.455 (above their season average of 0.276). SMU, on the other hand, was on fire from beyond the arc (11-25; 44.0 percent). Jarron Cumberland played a key role for Cincinnati with 25 points and eight rebounds. Ethan Chargois, meanwhile had a solid performance for SMU, recording 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bearcats dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in all three games. In the last contest, Cincinnati won 61-51. Cincinnati’s free throw rate was their largest strength over SMU. The Bearcats had a rate of 0.193, while the Mustangs posted a mark of 0.036. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This matchup figures to be a shootout as a pair of the nation’s premier offenses clash. Cincinnati currently ranks 35th with 113.5 points per 100 possessions and SMU is 27th (114.0).
SMU Mustangs vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Cincinnati, ATS Winner – SMU, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- SMU ranks 84th in three pointers attempted per game (24.6) while Cincinnati ranks 266th (18.4).
- The Bearcats are second in the NCAA with 28.7 rebounds allowed per game while the Mustangs are 38th with 31.8 rebounds allowed per game.
- Cincinnati ranks third in steals allowed per game (4.2) while SMU ranks 11th (4.8).
- The Bearcats rank 47th in assists allowed per game (11.3) while the Mustangs rank 214th (14.9).
- Cincinnati ranks 20th in blocks per game (5.0) while SMU ranks 86th (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bearcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.8, down from 13.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Mustangs have scored an average of 72.8 points per game (2.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.8 points per game (5.0 above their season average).
