The Cincinnati Bearcats (12-6, 3-2 AAC) battle the SMU Mustangs (6-11, 1-3) Saturday. Tip from Moody Coliseum is set for 4 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Cincinnati vs. SMU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Bearcats beat East Carolina 83-55 at home Wednesday, covering as a 10-point home favorite. Cincinnati is 12-5 against the spread (ATS) on the season. It is just 1-2 straight up at home, though. The Cats are 8-2 ATS over their last 10. Their strength is offense, ranking No. 57 in points per game (78.1).
SMU, on the other hand, lost to Tulane 97-88 at home Wednesday, failing to cover as a 4.5-point underdog. The Mustangs are just 6-11 ATS on the season and are 4-5 straight up at home. They are 0-3 ATS in their last 3 but 5-3 ATS in their last 8.
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Cincinnati at SMU odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cincinnati -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | SMU +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
- Against the spread (ATS): Cincinnati -5.5 (-105) | SMU +5.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Cincinnati at SMU picks and predictions
Prediction
Cincinnati 78, SMU 71
Moneyline
PASS.
SMU is just 4-5 at home and has lost 3 straight (1 was at home) and 4 of its last 5. Ultimately, avoid the moneyline as Cincinnati (-250) is too pricey.
Against the spread
BET CINCINNATI -5.5 (-105).
The Mustangs are just not playing well right now, failing to cover 3 in a row. They rank outside the top 200 in field goal percentage (42.8%) and opponents’ field goal percentage (43.5%), so they don’t necessarily thrive on either end of the court.
SMU is 1-3 ATS against AAC opponents while Cincinnati is 3-2 against conference sides. The Bearcats have been rolling, covering 2 of their last 3 and 8 of their last 10.
Back CINCINNATI -5.5 (-105).
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 145.5 (-105).
SMU’s defense has not been good lately, allowing 80 or more in 3 straight. The Mustangs have gone Over in 4 straight games and have gone Over in 7 of their last 8. Their defense allows 73.5 points per game as well, which Cincinnati should be able to exploit.
Cincinnati allows 68.1 per game while scoring 78.1 per game. The Cats have are 8-9 O/U this season but should score enough to help this total go Over.
Bet OVER 145.5 (-105).
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