The No. 25 Cincinnati Bearcats (19-3, 8-1 AAC) put their seven-game winning streak on the line when they clash with the Memphis Tigers (13-9, 5-4 AAC) at FedExForum. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 7, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Memphis Tigers Betting Prediction
In the Bearcats’ last outing, they topped the SMU Mustangs, 73-68. The Bearcats had a much better free throw rate (0.204 vs. 0.100) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.574 (above their season average of 0.513). With 24 points on 9-for-18 shooting, Jarron Cumberland was the top scorer from either team.
The Tigers fell to the South Florida Bulls in their last contest, 84-78. Getting to the charity stripe was one of South Florida’s largest strengths. They had 44 free throw attempts, while Memphis had just 24. With 41 points on 13-for-20 shooting, Jeremiah Martin was the game’s leading scorer.
After the Bearcats won all three contests against the Tigers last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last game, Cincinnati won 70-60. The Bearcats had a much better turnover percentage (4.1 vs. 12.5) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.466 vs. 0.417).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Cumberland (24 points,5.4 rebounds,4.0 assists,1.6 steals) has been stellar for the Bearcats while Martin (17 points,6.0 assists,2.4 steals) has contributed greatly to the Tigers.
This game should be a battle of contrasting styles. Memphis has preferred to play fast (seventh in possessions per game), while Cincinnati has been slower-paced (326th in possessions per game). Also, the Bearcats commit the 33rd-fewest errors in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.2 percent), while the gambling defense of the Tigers causes the 27th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.2 percent).
Cincinnati Bearcats at Memphis Tigers Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Memphis, ATS Winner – Memphis, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Cincinnati ranks third in steals allowed per game (4.1) while Memphis ranks 203rd (8.5).
The Bearcats rank 44th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while the Tigers rank 224th (15.3).
Cincinnati averages 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 23rd in the NCAA. Memphis ranks 172nd in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
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).
Bettings Trends:
The Bearcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.4, down from 13.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 78.6 points per game (4.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.4 points per game (0.9 below their season average).
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