Team Previews and Recent Form
Cincinnati Bearcats (6-4) aim to rebound from losses to Xavier and Georgia, where they shot inefficiently from the field and three-point range. Baba Miller (13.3 PPG, 10.6 RPG) and Moustapha Thiam (11 points, 9 rebounds vs. Georgia) lead the frontcourt, while the team averages 74.3 PPG but allows 81.8.
Alabama State Hornets (3-7) rely on guard Asjon Anderson (18.4 PPG, 4.2 APG), who logged 23 points in a recent game, and Micah Simpson (16.2 PPG). Despite a -9.1 scoring margin, they score 74.2 PPG and force 15.9 turnovers per game against opponents.
Head-to-head history favors Cincinnati, winning 77-59 last November. Alabama State's road woes (1-6 away) compound challenges against Cincinnati's home strength (6-1).
Key Stats and Matchups
Cincinnati holds advantages in defense, allowing 67.0 PPG (No. 33 nationally) versus Alabama State's 83.3 allowed (No. 319). The Bearcats force 15.9 turnovers per game, exploiting Alabama State's 14.3 TOs (No. 308 rank).
Offensively, Alabama State edges first-half scoring (38.7 vs. Cincinnati's opp. 31.5), but falters late (35.6 second-half PPG, No. 297). Rebounding sees Baba Miller's 10.6 RPG dominating Jerquarius Stanback's 4.9 for Alabama State.
Shooting efficiencies: Alabama State at 50.4% eFG% faces Cincinnati's stout 45.8% opponent mark. Steals and blocks are competitive, with both teams active in disruption.
Odds and Predictions
Cincinnati is a -20.5 favorite, with moneyline at -7692 and Alabama State at +2000. Total points set at 144.5 (Over -114, Under -106), reflecting expectations of a Bearcats blowout.
Predictions highlight Cincinnati's home edge and defensive prowess against Alabama State's poor road form. Betting value lies in Bearcats covering the spread given their +7.3 margin versus Hornets' -9.1.