Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Houston Cougars Picks and Predictions – Tuesday, Feb. 27

Feb 24, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars guard L.J. Cryer (4) reacts after a made three-point basket against against the Baylor Bears during the first half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion.
Image Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

We have your Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Houston Cougars prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Cincinnati Bearcats hit the road to face the Houston Cougars.

The Houston Cougars (24-3) are set to host the Cincinnati Bearcats (16-11) in a clash of Big 12 rivals. With the Cougars on a five-game winning streak and the Bearcats looking to snap a four-game skid, this matchup is poised to be a battle of momentum at the Fertitta Center.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Houston Cougars Odds Info

Moneyline: Cincinnati Bearcats +800 (BetRivers) / Houston Cougars -1000 (PointsBet)

Spread: -13.5 – Cincinnati Bearcats -107 (BetPARX) / Houston Cougars -108 (DraftKings)

Total: 132.5 – -110 (Bet365) / -105 (FanDuel)

Game Info

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 27

Time: 07:00 PM

Location: Fertitta Center – Houston, TX

TV: ESPN2

Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Trends

  • On the road, Cincinnati Bearcats are 4 and 5 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Cincinnati Bearcats are 12 and 14.
  • Against the spread on the road, Cincinnati Bearcats are 5 and 5.

Houston Cougars Betting Trends

  • At home, Houston Cougars are 15 and 0 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Houston Cougars are 13 and 12.
  • Against the spread at home, Houston Cougars are 10 and 5.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Houston Cougars Predictions

The Houston Cougars, sitting comfortably at the top of the Big 12 standings, are looking to extend their 20-game home win streak. Led by guard L.J. Cryer, who is averaging 15.0 points per game, and forward J’Wan Roberts, pulling down 7.1 rebounds per game, the Cougars have been a force on both ends of the court. Their defensive prowess is evident as they hold opponents to an average of just 56.1 points per game, making them one of the toughest defensive teams in the nation.

On the other side, the Cincinnati Bearcats are desperate to turn their fortunes around after a series of losses. Guard Dan Skillings Jr. leads the team with 12.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, and will need to be at his best to challenge Houston’s defense. The Bearcats have shown they can rebound well, averaging 40.5 rebounds per game, but they’ll need to improve their three-point shooting, which stands at 32.7 percent, to keep up with Houston’s efficient offense.

This game will likely come down to key matchups, particularly the battle inside the paint between Houston’s Roberts and Cincinnati’s Skillings Jr. Additionally, the Bearcats’ ability to disrupt Houston’s guard play and force turnovers could be a deciding factor. However, with Houston’s strong home record and Cincinnati’s recent struggles, the Cougars are the favorites to come out on top in this Big 12 showdown.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Houston Cougars Pick

The Houston Cougars have demonstrated a level of consistency and dominance that is hard to ignore, especially when playing at home where they are undefeated this season with a 15-0 record. Their defense is one of the best in the nation, allowing a mere 56.1 points per game to their opponents. Coupled with their offensive efficiency, led by L.J. Cryer and J’Wan Roberts, the Cougars have the ability to control the game on both ends of the floor. Considering their impressive 24-3 overall record and the fact that they are coming into this game on a five-game winning streak, the odds are heavily in their favor to secure another victory at the Fertitta Center.

While the Cincinnati Bearcats have shown they can compete on the boards, their recent form suggests they may struggle against a team of Houston’s caliber. The Bearcats are currently on a four-game losing streak and have a less than stellar road record of 4-5. Historically, Houston has had the upper hand in this matchup, and there’s little to suggest a deviation from this trend, especially with Cincinnati’s three-point shooting woes. Given these factors, a moneyline bet on the Houston Cougars is the most logical and safe pick for this game.

The Pick: Houston Cougars -1000. (PointsBet)