The No. 2'Houston Cougars (15-1, 3-0 AAC) battle the Cincinnati Bearcats (11-5, 2-1) Sunday. Tip from Fifth Third Arena is set for 3 p.m. ET (ESPN).'Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Houston vs. Cincinnati'odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Houston beat Southern Methodist 87-53 Thursday, covering as a 20-point home favorite. It has covered 4 of its last 5 games and is 11-5 against the spread (ATS) this season. The Cougars’ strength is defense, ranking No. 1 in opponents’ points per game (51) and opponents’ FG percentage (33.1%).
Cincinnati beat Wichita State 70-61 Thursday, covering as a 2.5-point road favorite. The Bearcats are a solid 11-4 ATS on the season and have covered 9 of their last 10 games. They are 9-1 straight up at home. Cincinnati’s strength is offense, averaging 79 points per game to rank 48th in' the nation.