The NCAA regular season continues as March Madness approaches. The Houston Cougars (24-3, 11-3) welcome the Cincinnati Bearcats (16-11, 5-9) at the Hofheinz Pavilion in the Big 12 showdown on the evening of Tuesday, February 27, 2024. No. 1 Houston is currently on a five-game winning run as they seek a conference victory to secure an automatic berth in the NCAA Championship.
The Houston Cougars
The Cougars have been in excellent form ahead of what could be their 25th win this regular season. They have also yet to lose a home game so far this campaign, giving the Bearcats a tough task ahead of the showdown. Houston secured an away victory 76-82 over the Baylor Bears in their last game that had to be settled in overtime. The Cougars led the first half by 16 points, only to lose the second half with the same number of points. However, they would lead 13-7 courtesy of LJ Cryer’s six free throws in overtime following his return to Baylor. Cryer, who has averaged 15 points per game this season, shot 15 points in that game. Emanuel Sharp shot 18 points, J’wan Roberts had 17 points and eight rebounds, while Jamal Shead had 12 points and 10 assists.
The Cincinnati Bearcats
The Cincinnati Bearcats will hope to return to winning ways when they visit the Cougars. They are on a two-game losing run that started during their 76-80 loss to the Oklahoma State Cowboys. They were even more woeful in their last game against the TCU Horned Frogs, losing 75-57 away from home.
During the game against TCU, Cincinnati performed well in the first half, scoring 32 points to TCU’s 39 points. However, they fell flat in the second half, losing by 11 points. Day Day Thomas’ 13 points were not enough to help the Bearcats salvage a win.
Head-To-Head Houston vs Cincinnati
The Cougars last met the Bearcats over two weeks ago when the Cougars triumphed 62-67 away from home. Cincinnati led the first half 32-29, only to succumb 30-38 in the second half. Houston will need a repeat of J’wan Roberts’ performance on the day in this one after he scored 20 points and had 8 rebounds. Jamal Shead also had 16 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds.
With their head-to-head record and position on the Big 12 conference table, BetVictor has placed the Cougars as favorites in this encounter. The Bearcats also have been backed to cover a point spread of +14.5. Over 50 betting options are available for this game on BetVictor. However, it is best to only wager according to your bankroll and not jump on all the options.
Fresno State Bulldogs Vs Utah States Aggies
Another matchup of the day to look forward to is the Utah State Aggies’ (22-5, 10-4) visit to the Fresno State Bulldogs (11-16, 4-10) in the Mountain West encounter. No. 22 Utah State has high hopes of making it to March Madness, and this encounter plays an essential role.
The Aggies have won six of their last 10 games, returning to winning ways in their last game. They defeated No. 20 San Diego State Aztecs 68-63 last Tuesday. Utah State made the first half count with a 31-26 lead before playing 37-37 in the second half. However, they had guard Darius Brown II to thank after scoring 25 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Forward Great Osobor also had a brilliant outing, scoring 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. This duo must produce another big performance to see off the Fresno State Bulldogs.
Fresno State is desperate for a win following a run of three successive losses. They’re in bad form, having only won three of their last 10 games. The Bulldogs have a 7-7 record at home, ahead of hosting Utah State. Fresno State lost woefully 41-73 to the San Diego State Aztecs in their last game despite Isaiah Hill and Xavier DuSell hitting double figures for points. This matchup against the Aggies may be too much to ask from them.
Head-To-Head Bulldogs vs Aggies
The last time these two sides met, the Bulldogs lost woefully 83-62 to the Aggies. In that game, Isaiah Pope scored 16 points, Eduardo Andre 11 points, Donavan Yap Jr. 12 points, and Isaiah Hill had 5 points, 10 assists, and 3 rebounds. However, their scintillating performances weren’t nearly good enough to get them over the line. According to BetVictor, they are the underdogs going into this game. Fresno State is also backed to cover a spread of +16.5 on the night. Bettors may also jump on play parlay bets by betting on a number of NCAA basketball events on the night. You can find odds for these games and more right here at BetVictor.
18+ | Begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly
