Mini-Preview: Odds and X-Factors for UC's AAC Tournament Bout Against Houston
CINCINNATI — Another Houston matchup, another double-digit spread facing the Bearcats. Cincinnati has lost five-straight games to the Cougars and is a 12-point underdog on Friday. It's the second-largest spread UC has faced this season. They failed to cover the 15-point mark in last week's road battle with the Cougars.
Houston is 19-12 against the spread this season to Cincinnati's 11-17-3 record. UC has covered two straight games, while Houston's covered four of its past five games.
They are coming off of a 14-point loss to Memphis heading into this one. Penny Hardaway's team used a strategy Cincinnati must employ to make his Tigers the only team to beat Houston twice this season. Turnovers, turnovers, and more turnovers.
Memphis forced 18 turnovers in their February meeting and another 19 on Sunday in the 75-61 win. UC must sell out for steals, ball pressure, and do it for all 40 minutes.
They have nothing to lose so why not go for a few gambles that could pay off with major dividends at the end of the game. Memphis forced multiple turnovers from every Houston starter on Sunday. Overall, Houston is 5-3 when this season when they turn it over 13-plus times.
Cincinnati must also move the ball well in this game. Constant ball rotation and movement are crucial to breaking down one of the deepest defenses in the country.
Houston is 2-3 this season when they allow 14-plus assists.
Ultimately, UC's chances come down to moving the ball very well on their end and shutting off ball movement on the other. That's much easier said than done.
Friday's game tips off at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
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