The SMU Mustangs (12-8, 4-4 AAC) travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bearcats (18-3, 7-1 AAC) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against exceptional defense. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
SMU Mustangs at Cincinnati Bearcats ATS Prediction
In the Mustangs’ last game, they were topped by the Wichita State Shockers, 85-83. Wichita State’s 0.200 free throw rate was their largest strength over SMU, who had a rate of 0.159. The Shockers’ mark was above their season average of 0.198, while the Mustangs’ was below their season average of 0.212. SMU’s Ethan Chargois played well, contributing 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bearcats defeated the Temple Owls in their last matchup, 72-68. Cincinnati’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Bearcats had more offensive rebounds (16 vs. three), defensive rebounds (30 vs. 19) and total rebounds (46 vs. 22). Jarron Cumberland was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 6-for-17 shooting from the field.
After the Bearcats won all three meetings against the Mustangs last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent game, Cincinnati won 61-51. The Bearcats had a much better free throw rate (0.193 vs. 0.036) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.8 vs. 26.5).
This battle figures to be a shootout as a pair of the country’s best offenses go head-to-head. Cincinnati currently ranks 35th with 113.5 points per 100 possessions and SMU is 27th (114.0).
SMU vs. Cincinnati Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Cincinnati, ATS Winner – SMU, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
SMU ranks 84th in three pointers attempted per game (24.6) while Cincinnati ranks 266th (18.4).
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).
The Bearcats rank second in rebounds allowed per game (28.7) while the Mustangs rank 38th (31.8).
Cincinnati is third in the NCAA with 4.2 steals allowed per game while SMU is 11th with 4.8 steals allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Mustangs have been outscored by an average of 1.0 point in their last five games. For the season, SMU has defeated opponents by an average of 6.1 points.
During their last five games, the Bearcats have scored an average of 76.4 points per game (1.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.6 points per game (5.4 above their season average).
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