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The No. 1-ranked Arizona Wildcats host the Cincinnati Bearcats in college action tonight.
While the Wildcats have been an offensive juggernaut, my Cincinnati vs. Arizona predictions expect their underrated defense to shine.
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Read more in my college basketball picks for Wednesday, January 21.
Cincinnati vs Arizona prediction
Cincinnati vs Arizona best bet: Cincinnati team total Under 69.5 (-125)
Arizona is a perfect 18–0, and while the Wildcats haven’t covered in their last two games, one came on the road and the other against in-state rival Arizona State.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati enters off an upset win over No. 9 Iowa State, making this a prime letdown spot. The Bearcats are still winless away from home this season, and a road trip to face the No. 1 team in the country has the potential to get ugly.
Although Cincinnati boasts a strong defense, it ranks just 178th in adjusted offensive efficiency, according to KenPom. The Bearcats have been held to 65 points or fewer six times this season, including games against fast-paced Georgia and Louisville, as well as a struggling Eastern Michigan squad.
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That’s a major concern against an Arizona program that ranks fourth nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency and seventh in opponent 2PT% (44.3%). With the Bearcats sitting outside the top 300 in 3PT% (30.6%), they’ll have a hard time scoring.
Cincinnati vs Arizona same-game parlay
Forward Baba Miller has made a 3-pointer in just two of his last 14 games. He’s gone 2-for-24 from deep (8.3%) over that span, and Arizona limits opponents to 32.3% from long range.
Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley averages a modest 3.7 rebounds per game and has grabbed fewer than 4.5 boards in five of his last six contests. He’ll face a tough challenge against a Cincinnati team that does a solid job on the glass.
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Cincinnati vs Arizona SGP
Cincinnati team total Under 69.5
Baba Miller Under 0.5 threes
Jaden Bradley Under 4.5 rebounds
