Cincinnati Basketball: Preview, odds, predictions as the Bearcats host first place Houston

With less than a day until tip off, check out our preview including the most recent odds and predictions as the Bearcats prepare to take on first place Houston at Fifth Third Arena.

Fresh off a win at Wichita State, Wes Miller’s team hopes to keep the momentum going against one of the nation’s best teams as Houston comes into the matchup riding a 6-game win streak.

Players to watch include Houston veteran backcourt mates Marcus Sasser and Jamal Shead, plus potential NBA lottery pick Jarace Walker, and frontcourt duo Tramon Mark and J’Wan Roberts.

Sasser leads the Cougars with 15.8 points per game, while Walker scored a team-best 23 points and 10 rebounds in a win over SMU this week. Mark averages 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds.

Cincinnati Basketball: Preview, odds, predictions as the Bearcats host first place Houston

• Date: Sunday, January 8 at 3:00 PM
• Location: Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati
• TV Broadcast: ESPN and fuboTV
• Series History: Bearcats lead 13-8

In order to pull off the upset, Cincinnati must create quality shots, limit fastbreak opportunities and rebound at a high rate. The game will be available to watch on ESPN and fuboTV.

After losing four straight games against Houston by double digits, the Bearcats opened as 9-point underdogs with the over/under currently set at 135 total points according to WynnBET.

Even though it’s going to be difficult to keep up with the Cougars high-powered offense, I think Cincinnati will be able to hang around for a while before eventually falling in a 73-65 loss.