Cincinnati bids farewell to a crop of experienced players when the Bearcats host the Houston Cougars for seniors night on Thursday. This group of seniors has helped continue Cincinnati’s domination of Houston, as the program is 28-2 SU all-time against the Cougars, which includes a perfect 14-0 at Fifth Third Arena.
- The UNDER is 5-0 in the past 5 games between Cincinnati and Houston.
- Cincinnati is 25-0 SU in its last 25 games at Fifth Third Arena.
- Houston is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games as an underdog of 8.5 or more.
Cincinnati cruised past Houston earlier this year but it was a microcosm of the Bearcats’ season as a whole. They played great defense, holding Houston to 58 points and 15.8 percent from beyond the arc, but there was a clear lack of depth with the starters contributing 65 of the 67 points. Since being held scoreless for just the second time in his collegiate career against UConn, Jacob Evans has averaged 14.2 points while shooting 44.2 percent from the floor.
Houston has been red-hot with wins in seven of its past eight outings while holding opponents to just 65.5 points per game. Rob Gray Jr. has proven to be the most prolific scorer in the AAC with the junior averaging a conference-high 20.3 points per game. Gray scored a game-high 21 points against Cincinnati earlier this season but missed all seven of his 3-point attempts.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Houston Cougars were listed as 8.5-point underdogs at many online sportsbooks, including the odds makers at Sportsbook.
Houston Cougars vs Cincinnati Bearcats Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Cincinnati Bearcats are 25-4 so far on the season, and 13-13-1 ATS vs the number. The Houston Cougars, meanwhile, are 21-8 and 11-13 ATS. OVER/UNDER bettors have seen Cincinnati go 13-13-1 and the Houston Cougars go 13-11 on betting totals.
The Bearcats - Cougars odds would favor the Bearcats if the lines were set according to our power ranks. Cincinnati is rated No. 6 in the current Odds Shark poll, while Houston is at No. 55.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Cincinnati's No. 110-ranked offense, averaging 75.28 PPG, against a Cougars defense that ranks No. 28 at 64.86 PPG. The Bearcats field goal percentage has averaged 46.43% so far, more than the Cougars marksmen have achieved on the year, 45.42% per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Houston got 31 points from Damyean Dotson en route to a 72-71 victory over Memphis on Sunday at FedExForum.
Jacob Evans III scored 17 points in a futile effort to lead the Bearcats to a win (they lost 53-49 to Central Florida at CFE Arena on Sunday).
- Houston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games
- Houston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
- Cincinnati is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
- Cincinnati is 18-2 SU in its last 20 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games
- Cincinnati is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Houston home to East Carolina, Sunday, March 5th
Cincinnati at Connecticut, Sunday, March 5th
