The 25th-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats (19-3, 8-1 AAC) and the Memphis Tigers (13-9, 5-4 AAC) face off at FedExForum. The Bearcats look to extend their seven-game winning streak. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 7, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN2.
Cincinnati Bearcats at Memphis Tigers Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Tigers fell to the South Florida Bulls, 84-78, while the Bearcats defeated the SMU Mustangs, 73-68.
Cincinnati dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.204 (below their season average of 0.284) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.574 (above their season average of 0.513). For those same stats, SMU had marks of 0.100 and 0.517, respectively. Memphis, on the other hand, forced South Florida into a turnover percentage of 33.6 (above their season average of 19.3). Memphis was lifted by Jeremiah Martin, who recorded 41 points and six steals. Meanwhile, Jarron Cumberland had a good game for Cincinnati, contributing 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
The Bearcats dominated this series last year, winning all three contests. In the last contest, Cincinnati won 70-60. The Bearcats’ 4.1 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Tigers, who had a rate of 12.5. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The Bearcats’ Cumberland has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 24 points,5.4 rebounds,4.0 assists,1.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, Martin has averaged 17 points,6.0 assists,2.4 steals during that same time frame for the Tigers.
Conflicting styles will be on display in this showdown. Memphis has preferred an up-and-down style of play (seventh in possessions per game), while Cincinnati has been more methodical (326th in possessions per game). Furthermore, the Bearcats commit the 33rd-fewest errors in the nation (turnover percentage of 16.2 percent), while the disruptive defense of the Tigers causes the 27th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.2 percent).
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Memphis Tigers Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Memphis, ATS Winner – Memphis, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Cincinnati ranks third in steals allowed per game (4.1) while Memphis ranks 203rd (8.5).
- The Bearcats rank second in rebounds allowed per game (28.8) while the Tigers rank 140th (35.0).
- Memphis ranks 143rd in three pointers attempted per game (22.6) while Cincinnati ranks 262nd (18.8).
- The Bearcats rank 44th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while the Tigers rank 224th (15.3).
- Cincinnati ranks 23rd in blocks per game (4.8) while Memphis ranks 172nd in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bearcats have scored an average of 76.2 points per game (1.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (4.3 above their season average).
- The Tigers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 5.5 for the season.
