Cincinnati Basketball: Game preview, odds, players to watch as the Bearcats host SMU

Check out our game preview as the Bearcats get ready to host SMU in the regular season finale this afternoon including the most recent odds, key players to watch and more!

After escaping with a narrow win over the Mustangs in mid January, Cincinnati opened as 12-point favorites with the over/under placed at 146.5 total points according to WynnBET.

Players to watch in the upcoming matchup include the Bearcats leading scorers David DeJulius and Landers Nolley II, plus SMU backcourt duo Zhuric Phelps and Zach Nutall.

Despite struggling in AAC play, the Mustangs have plenty of talent and will be looking to pull off an upset on the road. Cincinnati has to contain Phelps and limit easy looks around the rim.

Cincinnati Basketball: Game preview, odds, players to watch as the Bearcats host SMU

• Date: Sunday, March 5 at 2:00 PM
• Location: Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati
• TV Broadcast: ESPN+ and fuboTV
• Series History: Bearcats lead 17-6

In the most recent meeting between the programs, the Bearcats escaped with a 54-52 win at SMU in mid January as Nolley and Mika Adams-Woods each scored a game-high 16 points.

Phelps ranks fifth in the conference with 17.4 points per game but struggled in the recent loss against Cincinnati, scoring just 11 points on 0/3 shooting from 3-point range in 27 minutes.

Both teams are coming off losses against Memphis but the Bearcats are currently tied for fourth place in the AAC standings with a 10-7 record, while SMU sits in 10th place with a 5-12 mark.

Wes Miller’s team should be able to secure a relatively comfortable win but it will be important to avoid mistakes and scoring lapses as the Mustangs look to stay within striking distance.