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In a convincing rout of bubble-team Houston on Thursday, Cincinnati proved once again it can win big against stout competition. The Bearcats might have cost themselves a chance at a chance to win the American after a surprising loss to Central Florida on Sunday, but they still have plenty to play for, including NCAA Tournament seeding, when they close the regular season against UConn this weekend.
Below is information on how you can watch or stream the game, along with odds for the game and a pick against the spread.
Viewing information
When: Sunday, 12 p.m. ET
Where: Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Connecticut
TV: CBS
Live stream (computer): Desktop link
Live stream (mobile): CBS Sports App
Follow: CBS Sports App
Scouting report
Cincinnati’s vaunted front-court trio of Kyle Washington, Gary Clark and Jacob Evans combines for nearly 40 points per game for Mick Cronin’s team. Because of its jumbo lineup Cincinnati is wont to slow games down, running one of the slowest offenses in the country in terms of tempo. But just because it’s slow doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. The Bearcats grind the game to their pace, which allows them to own the second-most efficient offense in the conference -- and a top-10 nationally ranked defense in points allowed per 100 possessions.
Injuries derailed what was originally a promising season for UConn, prompting what has essentially been a rebuilding year for Kevin Ollie. That has ushered in the youth of the program to take more opportunities, and the future is bright with freshman Jalen Adams proving he can shoulder the expectations into next season. Adams leads the team in scoring and owns an assist rate that ranks in the top 10 nationally.
Matchups to watch
Cincinnati’s love for grinding games to a halt is shared by UConn, which also ranks near the bottom of the conference in total tempo. During the Huskies’ current three-game losing streak, it has not eclipsed more than 70 points and has been doomed by turnovers and sloppy play. If UConn plays sloppy again, Cincinnati is built to take advantage. The Bearcats rank first in steal percentage and turnovers forced per game -- an area the Huskies are particularly vulnerable.
Odds and pick
KenPom odds: Cincinnati -5
Pick: Cincinnati -5
These teams are going in two totally different directions. Cincinnati might be primed for a decent run in the Big Dance, and UConn is playing for little more than school pride. I think Cincinnati wins big.
