The Wichita State Shockers (20-6, 8-5 AAC) visit Cincinnati to take on the Bearcats (17-9, 10-4 AAC) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game starts at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 23, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Wichita State Shockers vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Prediction
In the Shockers’ last game, they topped the South Florida Bulls, 65-55. The Shockers knocked down 21 of their 26 free throws (80.8 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (14.4 vs. 18.7). Wichita State received a boost from Jaime Echenique, who was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 4-for-8 shooting.
The Bearcats lost a tough one against the UCF Knights in their last outing, 89-87. UCF’s 0.500 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Cincinnati, who had a rate of 0.439. The Knights’ mark was above their season average of 0.483, while the Bearcats’ was below their season average of 0.509. With 22 points on 9-for-20 shooting, Tre Scott was the top scorer from either team.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Jarron Cumberland scored a game-high 24 points in the first game, in which the Bearcats topped the Shockers 80-79. He also recorded five assists. Cincinnati did a great job of converting from the free throw line (14-18; 77.8 percent). Wichita State, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.3 vs. 24.0).
This matchup figures to be low-scoring as two of the NCAA’s premier defenses go head-to-head. Cincinnati currently ranks 55th in defensive efficiency (94.6) and Wichita State is 11th (90.1).
Wichita State at Cincinnati Free Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Wichita State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Cincinnati averages 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 21st in the country. Wichita State ranks 158th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
The Shockers average 7.3 steals per game, which ranks 71st in the NCAA. The Bearcats rank 161st in steals allowed per game (6.9).
Cincinnati ranks 55th in rebounds per game (38.3) while Wichita State ranks 138th in rebounds allowed per game (34.8).
The Shockers rank 14th in assists allowed per game (9.9) while the Bearcats rank 97th (11.9).
Wichita State averages 23.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 99th in the nation. Cincinnati ranks 103rd in three pointers allowed per game (20.5).
The Shockers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 8.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bearcats have scored an average of 80.0 points per game (6.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.6 points per game (11.2 above their season average).