Cincinnati Bearcats (11-6) vs East Carolina Pirates (10-7)
Game Info: Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 9:00 pm (Fifth Third Arena)
Betting Odds: Cincinnati Bearcats -10.5 -- Over/Under: 140.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The East Carolina Pirates will head up to Ohio and face the Cincinnati Bearcats in AAC play from the Fifth Third Arena on ESPN. This will mark the 15th time Cincy and ECU face off, and the Bearcats hold a 12-2 series lead after winning the last six matchups.
East Carolina dropped to 10-7 following a road loss to Memphis. The Pirates watched an eight-point halftime lead disappear after the break, and ending up falling to the Tigers by ten points. ECU is scoring 70.5 points per game, while allowing 67.8 ppg, and shooting 41.5% from the field.
The Pirates find themselves in a tough spot to avoid dropping a third straight conference game. East Carolina has been competitive early on though, with four of their six losses coming by five points or less, and they’re led by a trio of sophomores. Javon Small has been their best and most consistent player early on. The 6’2 guard scored a game-high 24 points in the purple war win over Toledo, and he leads ECU in scoring (15.4) and assists (5.6), while grabbing 4.8 rpg. Brandon Johnson, a 6’8 forward, has double-doubled in three of his last five games, and he leads ECU in rebounding at 9.1 rpg, while scoring 13.2 ppg. RJ Felton, nephew of former NBA pro Raymond, dropped 21 points in the win over SC, and he’s third on the team in scoring (11.&).
Cincinnati dropped to 11-6 after losing to Houston at home. The Bearcats played the Cougars well but were ultimately overmatched and lost by 13 points. Cincy is scoring 77.8 points per game, while allowing 68.9 ppg, and shooting 45.5% from the field.
Cincinnati will look to get back on track after battling a tough Houston team. The Bearcats carry one of the best lineups in the conference, led by mainstay David DeJulius. The three-year starter had three 22-point outings in December, and he leads the Bearcats in scoring at 14.9 ppg. Memphis transfer Landers Nolley II scored a game-high 23 points in the win over Tulane, and he’s up 14.7 ppg. Viktor Lakhin is the team’s leading rebounder (7.7), while scoring 13.1 ppg. Veterans Jeremiah Davenport (9.7 ppg) and Mike Adams-Woods (10.2 ppg, 3.6 apg) round out the starting five.
East Carolina is 12-5-1 against the spread this season, with a 9-8 over/under record. Cincinnati is 11-5 ATS this year, with a 8-8 o/u record.
Cincinnati is dealt a manageable bounce back spot here facing ECU, but the margin itself is a bit stiff. The Pirates tendency to fight and keep things close this season makes it tricky. We can bet on Cincy coming out and looking to a tone defensively though after just their second loss of the season. Let’s avoid the underdog happy Pirates here and lean on the Bearcats defense with the under.
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Corey’s Pick Under 140.5
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
