Houston Cougars vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Prediction 03/10/19

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The 20th-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats (25-5, 14-3 AAC) welcome the 12th-ranked Houston Cougars (28-2, 15-2 AAC) to Fifth Third Arena as the regular season finishes up. Action gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 10, 2019.

Houston Cougars vs. Cincinnati Bearcats ATS Odds

In their last matchup, the Bearcats lost a tough one against the 25th-ranked UCF Knights, 58-55, while the Cougars were victorious over the SMU Mustangs, 90-79.

The Cougars, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.9, had a ridiculous mark of 39.4, while the Mustangs had a turnover percentage of 20.7 (above their season average of 13.9). Cincinnati, on the other hand, forced UCF into a turnover percentage of 19.3 (above their season average of 15.0). Tre Scott had a solid performance for Cincinnati, contributing 20 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Armoni Brooks was a key piece for Houston with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

In their first matchup this season, Dejon Jarreau led the Cougars to a 65-58 win. He recorded 16 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Houston’s 0.557 effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Cincinnati, who had a mark of 0.394.

Points could be at a premium as a pair of the nation’s best defenses go head-to-head. Cincinnati currently ranks 20th in defensive efficiency (94.7) and Houston is seventh (91.7).

Houston at Cincinnati Odds Pick

College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Houston ranks 48th in three pointers attempted per game (25.8) while Cincinnati ranks 264th (19.1).
  • The Cougars rank 50th in assists per game (15.3) while the Bearcats rank 123rd (13.7).
  • Cincinnati leads the NCAA with 3.8 steals allowed per game while Houston is 59th with 5.7 steals allowed per game.
  • The Cougars rank eighth in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Bearcats rank 148th (3.7).
  • Houston ranks seventh in rebounds per game (40.8) while Cincinnati ranks 116th (36.2).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.4, up from 14.8 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Bearcats have scored an average of 60.4 points per game (11.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 58.2 points per game (3.0 below their season average).