The No. 8 Cincinnati Bearcats (20-2, 9-0 AAC) will try to extend their 13-game winning streak against the Connecticut Huskies (11-11, 4-5 AAC) at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. The game gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018.
Cincinnati Bearcats at Connecticut Huskies ATS Prediction
In the Bearcats’ last outing, they beat the Houston Cougars, 80-70. The Bearcats had an absurd free throw rate of 0.321 (above their season average of 0.253) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.4 (above their season average of 39.5). Gary Clark led the way for Cincinnati, contributing 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Huskies lost to the UCF Knights in their last matchup, 70-61. Getting to the free throw line was one of UCF’s largest strengths. They made 34 trips to the line, while Connecticut went just 11 times. Connecticut’s Terry Larrier had a good game, leading the team in scoring with 15 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
Connecticut might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the nation’s best defenses. Cincinnati currently ranks first in defensive efficiency while the Huskies rank 305th in offensive efficiency. Also, the Bearcats, who rank second in offensive rebounding percentage (39.6 percent), will square off against the Huskies, who rank 253rd in defensive rebounding percentage (69.2 percent).
Clark has averaged 15.2 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals over the last five games for Cincinnati.
After the Bearcats won all three contests against the Huskies last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, Cincinnati won 81-71. The Bearcats made 38 of their 46 free throws (82.6 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (8.2 vs. 10.7).
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Connecticut Huskies Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Connecticut, ATS Winner – Connecticut, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Cincinnati ranks 36th in assists per game (16.5) while Connecticut ranks 262nd (9.9).
The Bearcats rank 14th in rebounds per game (40.3) while the Huskies rank 213th in rebounds allowed per game (36.9).
Cincinnati ranks 91st in three pointers allowed per game (20.9) while Connecticut ranks 230th (24.6).
The Bearcats rank 22nd in steals per game (8.0) while the Huskies rank 123rd (6.2).
Cincinnati averages 5.6 blocks per game, which ranks 11th in the NCAA. Connecticut ranks 94th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
Betting Trends:
The Bearcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 18.8, down from 20.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 58.2 points per game (9.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.2 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
