The Cincinnati Bearcats (14-7, 7-2 AAC) travel to Wichita State to take on the Shockers (17-4, 5-3 AAC) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 6, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Cincinnati Bearcats at Wichita State Shockers ATS Prediction
The last time the Bearcats played, they defeated the No. 21 Houston Cougars, 64-62. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Cincinnati’s biggest strengths. They made 31 trips to the line, while Houston went just 10 times. Cincinnati was led by Tre Scott, who put up 16 points and 11 rebounds.
The Shockers lost a tough one against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in their last matchup, 54-51. Tulsa’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Wichita State. The Golden Hurricane had a rate of 0.349 (above their season average of 0.259), while the Shockers posted a mark of 0.086 (below their season average of 0.266). With 15 points on 7-for-12 shooting, Jaime Echenique was Wichita State’s high scorer.
After the Bearcats won all three games against the Shockers last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Cincinnati won 66-63. The Bearcats had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.9 vs. 27.3) and had a better turnover percentage (8.7 vs. 12.7).
This showdown figures to be low-scoring as two of the NCAA’s premier defenses square off. Wichita State ranks ninth in defensive efficiency (88.7) and Cincinnati is 40th (92.5). It could also be a sloppy game for the offense of the Bearcats, which ranks 280th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.7 percent). They’ll be going up against the top-notch defense of the Shockers, which forces the 46th-most turnovers in the NCAA (22.5 percent).
Cincinnati at Wichita State Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Wichita State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Cincinnati averages 4.6 blocks per game, which ranks 35th in the NCAA. Wichita State ranks 157th in blocks allowed per game (4.4).
The Shockers rank 11th in assists allowed per game (9.8) while the Bearcats rank 86th (11.7).
Wichita State ranks 39th in three pointers allowed per game (18.9) while Cincinnati ranks 102nd (20.7).
The Bearcats average 37.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 75th in the country. The Shockers rank 129th in rebounds allowed per game (34.9).
Wichita State averages 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 67th in the NCAA. Cincinnati ranks 108th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
The Bearcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.0, up from 7.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Shockers have scored an average of 60.2 points per game (13.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.2 points per game (2.0 below their season average).
