A 14-game home winning streak is on the line for the Cincinnati Bearcats (20-4, 9-2 AAC) when they take on the Wichita State Shockers (12-11, 5-6 AAC) at Fifth Third Arena. The game will air on ESPN at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 17, 2019.
Wichita State Shockers at Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Bearcats fell to the 12th-ranked Houston Cougars, 65-58, while the Shockers were victorious over the Tulane Green Wave, 77-62.
Wichita State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.4 (better than their season average of 16.0) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.516 (above their season average of 0.470). Tulane was 21.7 and 0.449, respectively, for those same stats. Cincinnati, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 5.3 (better than their season average of 13.7). Jarron Cumberland played a pivotal role for Cincinnati with 27 points. Wichita State rallied around Markis McDuffie, who recorded 25 points and eight rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Cumberland led the Bearcats to a 66-55 win. He put up 18 points and seven rebounds. One of Cincinnati’s biggest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They made 35 trips to the line, while Wichita State went just seven times.
The high-powered offense of Cincinnati (39th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 113.0) will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Wichita State (177th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 102.6). The Bearcats should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Wichita State Shockers at Cincinnati Bearcats Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Cincinnati, ATS Winner – Wichita State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Wichita State ranks 131st in three pointers attempted per game (23.0) while Cincinnati ranks 253rd (19.3).
- The Bearcats are third in the NCAA with 4.1 steals allowed per game while the Shockers are 55th with 5.6 steals allowed per game.
- Wichita State allows the 47th-fewest assists per game (11.5) while Cincinnati ranks 49th (11.5).
- The Bearcats rank sixth in rebounds allowed per game (29.5) while the Shockers rank 127th (34.4).
- Cincinnati averages 4.6 blocks per game, which ranks 31st in the NCAA. Wichita State ranks 139th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Shockers have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (3.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (1.8 below their season average).
- The Bearcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, down from 12.3 for the season.
