The Cincinnati Bearcats (22-4, 11-2 AAC) will be at the XL Center to challenge the Connecticut Huskies (13-13, 4-9 AAC) in an AAC matchup. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 24, 2019, and will air on ESPN.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Connecticut Huskies ATS Odds
In their last game, the Huskies lost big to the SMU Mustangs, 77-59, while the Bearcats defeated the UCF Knights, 60-55.
Cincinnati played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.212 (below their season average of 0.273) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 39.3 (above their season average of 36.4). UCF put up marks of 0.089 and 29.2, respectively, for those same stats. Connecticut, on the other hand, forced SMU into a turnover percentage of 22.3 (above their season average of 13.9). Connecticut rallied around Tyler Polley, who recorded 19 points. Meanwhile, Jarron Cumberland fueled Cincinnati with 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
In their first matchup this season, Cumberland led the Bearcats to a 74-72 victory. He scored a game-high 22 points. Getting to the free throw line was one of Cincinnati’s largest strengths. They had 38 free throw attempts, while Connecticut had just 16.
It could be an error-filled game for the Connecticut offense. Connecticut ranks 184th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.9 percent), while the gambling defense of Cincinnati forces the 42nd-most turnovers in the NCAA (22.0 percent). Moreover, the Bearcats, who rank 50th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.271), could get to the line a ton against the Huskies, who rank 336th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.295).
Cincinnati Bearcats at Connecticut Huskies Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Connecticut, ATS Winner – Connecticut, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Connecticut ranks 16th in three pointers allowed per game (18.7) while Cincinnati ranks 187th (23.2).
- The Bearcats rank 44th in assists allowed per game (11.3) while the Huskies rank 125th (12.9).
- Connecticut ranks 33rd in blocks per game (4.5) while Cincinnati ranks 101st in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
- The Bearcats rank second in steals allowed per game (4.0) while the Huskies rank 109th (6.2).
- Cincinnati ranks ninth in rebounds allowed per game (30.1) while Connecticut ranks 106th (33.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Huskies have been outscored by an average of 5.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Connecticut has defeated opponents by an average of 4.5 points.
- During their last five games, the Bearcats have scored an average of 66.4 points per game (7.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.8 points per game (1.3 above their season average).
