A 10-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Cincinnati Bearcats (13-3, 2-1 AAC) when they take on the Connecticut Huskies (10-6, 1-2 AAC) at Fifth Third Arena. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN2.
Connecticut Huskies vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Bearcats defeated the Tulsa Golden Hurricane 70-65, while the Huskies beat the SMU Mustangs 76-64.
The Huskies knocked down 23 of their 31 free throws (74.2 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.631 (above their season average of 0.522). Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s 14.8 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Tulsa, who had a rate of 28.5. The Bearcats’ mark was worse than their season average of 13.8, while the Golden Hurricane’s was above their season average of 16.0. Cincinnati rallied around Cane Broome, who finished with 16 points and six assists. Meanwhile, Jalen Adams had a good game for Connecticut, recording 21 points.
The Bearcats dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last contest, Cincinnati won 77-52. The Bearcats’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Huskies. Cincinnati had a rate of 7.9, while Connecticut posted a mark of 16.3. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball security could play a significant role in this meeting. Cincinnati commits the 39th-fewest miscues in the country (turnover percentage of 16.4 percent), while the disruptive defense of Connecticut forces the 31st-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.4 percent).
Connecticut Huskies vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Cincinnati, ATS Winner – Connecticut, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Cincinnati ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (29.1) while Connecticut ranks 130th (34.9).
- The Bearcats average 5.0 blocks per game, which ranks 23rd in the NCAA. The Huskies rank 65th in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
- Cincinnati ranks 42nd in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Connecticut ranks 67th (11.9).
- The Bearcats rank third in steals allowed per game (4.3) while the Huskies rank 113th (6.6).
- Connecticut ranks 171st in three pointers attempted per game (21.6) while Cincinnati ranks 259th (18.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 70.4 points per game (8.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.2 points per game (0.6 below their season average).
- The Bearcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.0, up from 15.2 for the season.
