The Cincinnati Bearcats (15-7, 8-2 AAC) head to UConn to play the Huskies (12-10, 3-6 AAC) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 9, 2020.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. UConn Huskies ATS Prediction
The last time the Bearcats played, they defeated the Wichita State Shockers, 80-79. Cincinnati’s 0.255 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Wichita State, who had a rate of 0.074. The Bearcats’ mark matched their season average, while the Shockers’ was below their season average of 0.258. With 24 points on 9-for-17 shooting, Jarron Cumberland was the top scorer from either team.
The Huskies were victorious over the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in their last game, 72-56. UConn out-rebounded Tulsa. The Huskies had 13 offensive rebounds and 37 total rebounds, while the Golden Hurricane had seven and 22, respectively. James Bouknight was UConn’s top scorer with 22 points on 9-for-14 shooting from the field.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this showdown between two of the NCAA’s top defenses. UConn ranks 34th in defensive efficiency (92.3) and Cincinnati is 48th (93.4). Furthermore, the Bearcats rank 261st in turnover percentage (20.4 percent), while the Huskies rank 38th in opponents’ turnover percentage (22.8 percent).
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Tre Scott put up 10 points and 13 rebounds and the Bearcats defeated the Huskies 67-51. The Bearcats had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.482 vs. 0.357) and had a better turnover percentage (16.3 vs. 20.5).
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. UConn Huskies ATS Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Cincinnati, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
UConn ranks third in blocks per game (6.4) while Cincinnati ranks 130th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
The Bearcats rank 49th in assists per game (14.8) while the Huskies rank 164th (12.7).
UConn ranks 11th in three pointers allowed per game (16.5) while Cincinnati ranks 95th (20.8).
The Bearcats average 37.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 89th in the country. The Huskies rank 168th in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
Cincinnati ranks 116th in steals per game (6.5) while UConn ranks 164th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
The Bearcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, up from 7.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 69.4 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.2 points per game (4.1 above their season average).
