A clear difference can be immediately seen between Iowa and Cincinnati. For the Hawkeyes its all about offense. Iowa is one of the top scoring teams in all of college basketball. By contrast the Bearcats are all about defense. Cincinnati’s ability to stop opponents is why they got their ticket punched to the big dance. Problematic for gamblers has been the poor betting lines NCAA basketball value of both teams. Neither Iowa or Cincinnati were able to bring home the bacon on a consistent basis this season. And that is what makes this matchup so intriguing to handicap.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Cincinnati Bearcats
Date and Time: Friday, March 22, 2019, 12:15 p.m. ET
Location: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
NCAA Betting Online Odds at SBG: Click Here!
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | +3½ (-110) | 137½ (-110) |  |
| Cincinnati | -3½ (-110) | 137½ (-110) | |
| |||
Iowa vs. Cincinnati TV Coverage: CBS
Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa has been in free fall on the board recently. To illuminate the Hawkeyes have covered just one of their last ten games. Additional problems came when head coach Fran McCaffery was suspended for two games late in the season. McCaffery’s tirades are legendary but are not as easy to tolerate when wins are missing. On the whole Iowa is 22-11 straight up, 13-20 against the spread and 16-17 under the total. McCaffery’s team ranked 48th in the nation for scoring offense but 239th for points allowed.
Cincinnati Bearcats
Also, in poor form is Cincinnati. UC has gotten the money in just two of their last ten games. But the Bearcats did win the American Athletic Conference tournament with a 69-57 upset win over Houston. Cincy is 28-6 straight up, 14-20 vs. the odds, and 16-17-1 under the total. National metrics have the Bearcats ranked 199th for scoring offense but 12th for points against.
Important Names on the Court
Cincinnati is led by junior guard Jarron Cumberland. Consider a breakout season in which Cumberland averages 18.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Counter to that for Iowa is junior forward Tyler Cook. He has also had a career season for the Hawkeyes with 14.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
Stats to Consider
Cincinnati has been a subpar betting lines NCAA basketball favorite in post season. To show the Bearcats are only 2-4 vs. the line as a tournament chalk. Four of their last five in that role have gone over the total. Overall UC has covered just three of their last eight as an away favorite. Four of their last six in that situation have gone under the total.
Team vs. Team
Iowa has been a weak online wagering play as a road dog. For example, the Hawkeyes have covered just four of their last 16 games getting points away from home. Further, Iowa has paid in only one of their last five as a post season dog. All five of those games have gone over the total.
Matchup to Watch
On this occasion there is an old adage that applies. “When in doubt take the underdog.” Certainly, Iowa is a capable betting lines NCAA basketball threat to get the money in this matchup of opposites.
Iowa vs. Cincinnati NCAA games Betting Odds Picks
In this situation Iowa plus the points makes the most sense.
Iowa vs. Cincinnati NCAA Betting Online Pick: Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa vs. Cincinnati NCAA Betting Online Score Prediction: Iowa 81, Cincinnati 78
Catch head coach Fran McCaffery’s comments about the Hawkeyes matchup with Cincinnati.