The Memphis Tigers (14-5, 4-2 AAC) battle the Cincinnati Bearcats (14-6, 5-2) Sunday. Tip from Fifth Third Arena is set for 1 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Memphis vs. Cincinnati odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Tigers beat Wichita St. at home 88-78 Thursday, failing to cover as a 10.5-point favorite. Memphis is just 7-12 against the spread (ATS) this season and is 2-4 straight up on the road. It has failed to cover 8 in a row. The Tigers’ offense ranks 38th in points per game (79.1).
Cincinnati is 13-6 ATS this season. It beat South Florida 85-69 on the road Wednesday, covering as a 4-point road favorite. The Bearcats have covered 7 of their last 10, yet have alternated covering and not in their last 6. The Bearcats’ offense ranks 63rd in points per game (77.3).
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Memphis at Cincinnati odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:24 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Memphis +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Cincinnati -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Memphis +2.5 (-105) | Cincinnati -2.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 151.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Memphis at Cincinnati picks and predictions
Prediction
Cincinnati 79, Memphis 74
Moneyline
PASS.
Cincinnati is 10-2 at home while Memphis is 2-5 on the road. Given the Tigers road struggles, I would give the points and play Cincinnati on the spread instead of the juiced moneyline value.
Against the spread
BET CINCINNATI -2.5 (-115).
Cincinnati has won 3 straight games and has rewarded bettors handsomely at home. It is 9-2 ATS as the home team and the Bearcats have covered 5 of their last 6 games at home.
The Tigers, on the other hand, have been one of the worst covering teams in the nation and have failed to cover 8 in a row, 3 of which have been on the road.
Memphis ranks 19th in opponents’ FG percentage (39%) yet 254th in opponents’ points per game (72). It has to figure out its rebounding flaws, and against Cincinnati is not the time. Given the Bearcats strength at home, back CINCINNATI -2.5 (-115).
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 151.5 (-110).
The Tigers rank 36th in the nation in points per game (79.1). They have gone over in 4 of their last 6 games and have scored over 80 in 5 of their last 7. The Memphis offense is legit and should press on the Bearcats defense.
Memphis is 12-7 O/U this season. The Bearcats are 9-10 O/U. Cincinnati scored 85 in its last game and has topped 80 in 2 of its last 3. It is 9-10 O/U this season. For a partial unit, back the OVER 151.5 (-110).
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