The 21st-ranked Houston Cougars (17-4, 7-1 AAC) and their phenomenal offense visit Cincinnati to take on the Bearcats (13-7, 6-2 AAC) and their superb defense. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
Houston Cougars at Cincinnati Bearcats ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Bearcats easily got past the SMU Mustangs 65-43, while the Cougars beat the East Carolina Pirates 69-59.
The Cougars had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.357 (above their season average of 0.261) and held the Pirates to an effective field goal percentage of 0.362 (below their season average of 0.472). Cincinnati, meanwhile, played a nearly perfect game. They had a superb effective field goal percentage of 0.558 (above their season average of 0.503) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.0 (below their season average of 32.4). For those same stats, SMU put up marks of 0.333 and 22.0, respectively. Jarron Cumberland had a good outing for Cincinnati with 28 points and nine rebounds. Houston received a boost from Caleb Mills, who had 18 points, six assists and five rebounds.
The Cougars edged out the Bearcats in this series last year, winning two out of three contests. In the most recent contest, Cincinnati won 69-57. One of Cincinnati’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 25 free throw attempts, while Houston had 18. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Cincinnati figures to have a significant edge. The Bearcats defense ranks 37th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.452), while the Houston offense is ranked 239th in effective field goal percentage (0.487).
Houston Cougars at Cincinnati Bearcats Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Houston ranks fourth in blocks allowed per game (1.9) while Cincinnati ranks 140th (3.8).
- The Cougars rank third in rebounds per game (42.6) while the Bearcats rank 68th (38.3).
- The Cougars rank 18th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Bearcats rank 126th (6.5).
- Cincinnati ranks 45th in assists per game (15.1) while Houston ranks 134th (13.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bearcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, up from 7.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 67.2 points per game (3.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 56.6 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
