This weekend, the Houston Cougars will host the Cincinnati Bearcats for a highly anticipated rematch at the Fertitta Center. This matchup marks the second time this season that these teams will face off, and Houston aims to secure another victory against the squad led by Wes Miller.
The all-time series is tightly contested, with the Cougars holding a slight edge at 14-13. Notably, Houston has dominated the recent encounters, winning the last ten games under head coach Kelvin Sampson. At home, the Cougars have a strong record of 9-5 against the Bearcats and have not lost in their last six meetings on their home court. However, the question remains: will Cincinnati manage to break this streak on Saturday?
According to ESPN Analytics, the Bearcats are given only a 7.4 percent chance of pulling off an upset in this game, which will be broadcast on FOX at 11 a.m. The statistics further illustrate the disparity between the two teams. Cincinnati is currently averaging 72.3 points per game, while Houston leads with an average of 79.1 points. Defensively, the Bearcats allow 67 points per game, contrasting with the Cougars” stout defense, which permits only 62.1 points.
In shooting efficiency, Houston boasts a field goal percentage of 45 percent compared to Cincinnati”s 42 percent. However, the Bearcats excel in rebound, assist, and block statistics, averaging 37.7 rebounds, 16.8 assists, and 4.5 blocks per game. In comparison, the Cougars tally 37.1 rebounds, 15.6 assists, and 3.8 blocks. Nevertheless, Houston shines in steals, averaging 8.6 compared to Cincinnati”s 6.9.
As per NCAA.com, Sampson”s team ranks second in turnovers per game and third in scoring defense and turnover margin. They also sit eighth in assist-to-turnover ratio, 14th in offensive rebounds, 23rd in turnovers forced, and 47th in steals. These statistics could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the rematch.
In their previous encounter, freshman guard Kingston Flemings led the Cougars with 19 points, while senior guard Milos Uzan added 18 points. For the Bearcats, senior guard Day Day Thomas was the leading scorer with 15 points. In that game, Houston shot 41 percent from the field, 32 percent from three-point range, and 32 percent from the free-throw line. Cincinnati achieved 43 percent from the field, 30 percent from beyond the arc, and an impressive 75 percent from the free-throw line.
Houston managed to win the rebounding battle 34-30 and recorded nine steals, significantly outpacing the Bearcats, who only had two. Despite only getting to the free-throw line nine times and converting seven, Cincinnati showcased their shooting prowess with a successful 12 of 16 attempts in other recent games.
With both teams having compelling statistics and storylines heading into this weekend”s matchup, fans can expect an exciting game that promises plenty of action.
