Cincinnati Bearcats vs Utah Runnin’ Utes NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/28/25
The Bearcats and Runnin’ Utes are set to face off at 10:00 ET on CBSS. The Runnin’ Utes will host the game at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, UT. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 137.5 points, and Utah is favored by -1 to win at home against Cincinnati.
CINCINNATI BEARCATS VS UTAH RUNNIN’ UTES BETTING PICK
The Pick: Utah Runnin’ Utes -1
This game will be played at Jon M. Huntsman Center at 10:00 ET on Tuesday, January 28th.
WHY BET THE UTAH RUNNIN’ UTES:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-72 in favor of the Runnin’ Utes.
- Not only will Utah pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 137.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Do the Bearcats Have a Shot at a Road Win?
Cincinnati Bearcats Recent Game/Games
The Bearcats fell to 12-7 on the season after an 80-52 road loss to BYU on Saturday. Entering the game as +6.5 point underdogs, Cincinnati not only lost but failed to cover the spread.
Trailing just 28-23 at halftime, Cincinnati’s defense faltered in the 2nd half, allowing 52 points while scoring only 29. The combined points for the game ended at 132, falling short of the 137.5 O/U line.
Cincinnati’s offense struggled in their last game, managing just 52 points on 37.7% shooting from the field. Their three-point shooting was particularly problematic, as they hit only 5 of 28 attempts, a 17.9% success rate. They also struggled at the free-throw line, making just 1 of 4 attempts.
Richie Saunders was a bright spot, hitting 5 of 7 threes and finishing with a team-high 21 points. Egor Demin added 15 points and 7 assists, shooting 60% from the field and from beyond the arc.
Despite Cincinnati’s defensive struggles, they managed to put up 80 points in their previous game. The Bearcats shot 57% from the field, making 28 of their 49 attempts. Inside the arc, they connected on 13 of 25 shots, good for 52% shooting.
From three-point range, Cincinnati was on fire, hitting 15 of 24 attempts for a 62% success rate. They also made 9 of 11 free throws, shooting 81% from the line. The Bearcats grabbed 7 offensive rebounds.
Pressure Builds for Utah as Home Favorites
Utah Runnin’ Utes Recent Game/Games
Utah’s season record dropped to 12-8 after a 76-61 home loss to Baylor on Saturday. Entering the game as +2 underdogs, the Utes not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.
Utah trailed 38-31 at halftime and couldn’t close the gap, scoring 30 points in the 2nd half while allowing 38. The game’s total points of 137 fell short of the 144.5 O/U line.
In their latest game, Utah’s offense managed 61 points, shooting 40% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 43.6%, with a 53.1% success rate on two-pointers (17/32). However, they struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 5 of 23 attempts for a 21.7% three-point shooting percentage.
At the free-throw line, the Utes shot 60%, converting 12 of 20 attempts. They grabbed 14 offensive rebounds and recorded 14 assists. Norchad Omier led the way with 22 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 66.7% overall and from three-point range (2/3). VJ Edgecombe added 21 points, connecting on 4 of 6 threes for a 66.7% rate from deep.
Despite giving up 76 points, Utah’s defense held their opponent to 40% shooting, with 22 made field goals on 55 attempts. They allowed 17 two-point baskets on 32 attempts, a 53% conversion rate.
From beyond the arc, Utah’s defense limited their opponent to just 5 made threes on 23 attempts, a 21% shooting performance. They also sent the opposing team to the free-throw line 20 times, where they made 12, shooting 60%.