The No. 19 Wichita State Shockers (20-5, 10-3 AAC) visit Cincinnati to take on the No. 5 Bearcats (23-3, 12-1 AAC) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against stifling defense. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 18, 2018, and will air on ESPN.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 141 points with Cincinnati set as a 6-point favorite.
Wichita State Shockers at Cincinnati Bearcats Free Prediction
In the Shockers’ last contest, they topped the Temple Owls, 93-86. The Shockers made 23 of their 29 free throws (79.3 percent) and held the Owls to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.7 (below their season average of 29.2). Wichita State was led by Shaquille Morris, who recorded 23 points and 13 rebounds.
The Bearcats fell to the Houston Cougars in their last game, 67-62. Houston’s 37.9 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Cincinnati, who had a rate of 26.5. The Cougars’ mark was above their season average of 34.0, while the Bearcats’ was below their season average of 39.0. Jacob Evans III had a good game for Cincinnati, leading the team in scoring with 16 points on 3-for-9 shooting.
This showdown figures to be a high-scoring affair as two of the NCAA’s best offenses battle. Cincinnati currently ranks 40th with 113.3 points per 100 possessions and Wichita State is sixth (119.9). Additionally, the Shockers commit the 43rd-fewest errors in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.5 percent), while the pesky defense of the Bearcats causes the 14th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.3 percent).
Wichita State holds records of 20-5 straight up (SU) and 11-12 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Shockers have typically gone over the total (60.9 percent).
Meanwhile, Cincinnati is 23-3 SU and 14-9 ATS. Contrary to Wichita State, games including the Bearcats tend to finish under the O/U total (63.6 percent).
Wichita State Shockers at Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Cincinnati, ATS Winner – Cincinnati, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Cincinnati ranks 29th in steals per game (7.7) while Wichita State ranks 230th (4.7).
The Bearcats rank 11th in blocks per game (5.5) while the Shockers rank 105th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
Wichita State ranks third in assists per game (19.2) while Cincinnati ranks 35th (16.2).
The Shockers average 41.6 rebounds per game, which ranks third in the nation. The Bearcats rank 31st in rebounds allowed per game (31.7).
Cincinnati averages 20.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 203rd in the NCAA. Wichita State ranks 223rd in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Shockers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.0, down from 13.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bearcats have scored an average of 72.0 points per game (3.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 57.0 points per game (0.7 above their season average).
