The Cincinnati Bearcats (13-3, 2-1 AAC) welcome the Connecticut Huskies (10-6, 1-2 AAC) to Fifth Third Arena as they look to continue their 10-game home winning streak. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Connecticut Huskies at Cincinnati Bearcats Free Prediction
In the Huskies’ last matchup, they topped the SMU Mustangs, 76-64. One of Connecticut’s biggest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They had 31 free throw attempts, 15 more than SMU. Connecticut was led by Jalen Adams, who was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
The Bearcats beat the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in their last matchup, 70-65. Cincinnati’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Tulsa. The Bearcats had a rate of 14.8 (worse than their season average of 13.8), while the Golden Hurricane posted a mark of 28.5 (above their season average of 16.0). Cane Broome was the game’s leading scorer with 16 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field.
After the Bearcats won both contests against the Huskies last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last contest, Cincinnati won 77-52. The Bearcats had a much better turnover percentage (7.9 vs. 16.3) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.532 vs. 0.344).
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play a significant role in this meeting. Cincinnati commits the 39th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.4 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Connecticut forces the 31st-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.4 percent).
Connecticut Huskies at Cincinnati Bearcats Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Cincinnati, ATS Winner – Connecticut, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Cincinnati ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (29.1) while Connecticut ranks 130th (34.9).
The Bearcats rank third in steals allowed per game (4.3) while the Huskies rank 113th (6.6).
Connecticut ranks 171st in three pointers attempted per game (21.6) while Cincinnati ranks 259th (18.2).
The Bearcats rank 23rd in blocks per game (5.0) while the Huskies rank 65th in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
Cincinnati ranks 42nd in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Connecticut ranks 67th (11.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 7.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bearcats have scored an average of 80.8 points per game (6.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 63.8 points per game (4.2 above their season average).
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