The No. 7 Nevada Wolf Pack (28-7) meet the No. 2 Cincinnati Bearcats (31-4) in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. The game starts at 6:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 18, 2018.
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Free Prediction
In the First Round, the Wolf Pack defeated the No. 10 Texas Longhorns, 87-83. The Wolf Pack had a better free throw rate (0.190 vs. 0.149) and had a turnover percentage of 8.9 (better than their season average of 12.4). Caleb Martin played well for Nevada, recording 18 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
The Bearcats defeated the No. 15 Georgia State Panthers in the First Round, 68-53. The Bearcats made 11 of their 14 free throws (78.6 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0 (above their season average of 38.1). Jarron Cumberland was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
This meeting figures to be a shootout as a pair of the NCAA’s best offenses battle. Cincinnati ranks 35th with 113.4 points per 100 possessions and Nevada is 10th (117.4). Additionally, the Wolf Pack commit the fewest errors in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 13.9 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of the Bearcats causes the 21st-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.3 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Jordan Caroline (23.6 points and 9.2 rebounds) has been stellar for the Wolf Pack while Gary Clark (12.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals) has made solid contributions to the Bearcats.
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Nevada, ATS Winner – Nevada, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Cincinnati ranks 22nd in rebounds per game (39.1) while Nevada ranks 224th in rebounds allowed per game (36.3).
The Bearcats rank 108th in three-pointers allowed per game (20.8) while the Wolf Pack rank 249th (23.9).
Cincinnati ranks seventh in assists allowed per game (9.9) while Nevada ranks 118th (12.9).
The Bearcats rank 50th in steals per game (7.3) while the Wolf Pack rank 144th (6.1).
Cincinnati ranks eighth in blocks per game (5.5) while Nevada ranks 63rd in blocks allowed per game (2.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Wolf Pack’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 10.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bearcats have scored an average of 63.4 points per game (10.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 56.0 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
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