Offense meets defense when the Cincinnati Bearcats (9-1) visit Mississippi State to take on the No. 18 Bulldogs (8-1). The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018, and will air on SEC Network.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Betting Prediction
The last time the Bearcats played, they were defeated by the Ohio State Buckeyes, 64-56. Ohio State launched 20 three pointers, making eight of them (40.0 percent), while Cincinnati was 6-26 (23.1 percent). Jarron Cumberland was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points on 7-for-17 shooting.
The Bulldogs won big over the Austin Peay Governors in their last contest, 95-67. Mississippi State’s 0.633 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Austin Peay, who had a rate of 0.415. With 10 points and 10 rebounds, Aric Holman put together a good outing for Mississippi State.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the productive offense of Mississippi State takes on the top-notch defense of Cincinnati. Since last season, the Bulldogs rank 40th in offensive efficiency, while the Bearcats are 12th in defensive efficiency.
Cumberland has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Cincinnati.
The Bearcats won the sole contest against the Bulldogs last season, 65-50. The Bearcats made 14 of their 16 free throws (87.5 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.472 vs. 0.349).
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Mississippi State, ATS Winner – Mississippi State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Mississippi State ranks 44th in three pointers attempted per game (22.5) while Cincinnati ranks 285th (19.5).
The Bulldogs rank 28th in assists per game (13.9) while the Bearcats rank 91st (15.6).
Mississippi State averages 6.8 steals per game, which ranks 42nd in the NCAA. Cincinnati ranks 12th in steals allowed per game (4.8).
The Bearcats are fourth in the nation with 30.8 rebounds allowed per game while the Bulldogs are 31st with 33.6 rebounds allowed per game.
Both of these teams are exceptional at blocking the ball. Cincinnati is 18th in the nation with 5.3 blocks per game while Mississippi State is 40th with 5.2 blocks per game.
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