Upcoming Match-ups

Georgia vs Cincinnati Odds, Lines, and Spread (Nov. 13)

Chris Amberley

by Chris Amberley in College Basketball

Updated Nov 12, 2021 · 8:00 PM PST

David DeJulius
Cincinnati guard David DeJulius (0) handles the ball against Wichita State during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinal round of the American Athletic Conference men's tournament Saturday, March 13, 2021, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
  • Cincinnati hosts Georgia on Saturday (November 13th, 7 pm ET) at Fifth Third Arena
  • The Bearcats defeated Evansville 65-43 in their opener, while the Bulldogs snuck by FIU 58-51
  • Read below for odds, analysis and a betting prediction

Let’s face it. When it comes to the University of Georgia, the basketball program will always be miles behind the football team. The Bulldogs have been the talk of the college football world all season, while Tom Crean’s team isn’t generating much buzz on the hardwood.

After surviving a scare in their season opener, Georgia visits Cincinnati on Saturday (November 13th) to battle the Bearcats.

Georgia vs Cincinnati Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
Georgia Bulldogs +450 +9.5 (-104) O 138.5 (-112)
Cincinnati Bearcats -630 -9.5 (-116) U 138.5 (-108)

Odds as of Nov. 12th at FanDuel.

Cincinnati opened up as a 10-point favorite, but that number has since moved half a point in the Bulldogs’ favor. The total currently sits at 138.5, which feels high given the offensive performances of these two schools in their 2021-22 debuts.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm ET at Fifth Third Arena, with ESPN+ providing the coverage.

Bulldogs Lack Scoring Bite

With P.J. Horne out for the year due to a knee injury he suffered in the preseason, Georgia is trotting out five new starters. The inexperience was on full display versus FIU earlier this week, as the Bulldogs shot just 28.6% in the opening half. They rebounded slightly in the second half to eventually pull out a 58-51 victory, but the lack of a reliable number one option is concerning.

Georgia wound up shooting 35.1% for the contest, while making only three of its 15 attempts from beyond the arc. Senior Aaron Cook led the way with 10 points and 8 rebounds, while reserves Braelen Bridges, Kario Oquendo, and Jaxon Etter chipped in 9 points apiece.

Defensively, the Bulldogs held the Panthers to 33.3% from the field, forcing 16 turnovers, which sounds impressive until you factor in that FIU ranked 264th in offensive efficiency last season.

Bearcats Maul Evansville

Cincinnati meanwhile, cruised to a 65-43 victory over Evansville in its opener. Jeremiah Davenport led the way with 11 points and 8 rebounds, while Davide DeJulius added 9 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. The Bearcats shot a respectable 45.5% from the field, but buried just 30% of their outside looks.

Defensively, they held the Purple Aces to 25.9% from the field, while forcing 15 turnovers. Much like Georgia, I wouldn’t get too excited about that defensive performance, as Evansville ranked 204th in KenPom’s efficiency rankings last season.

The Bearcats return four of their top-seven scorers from last season, and rewarded new coach Wes Miller with a victory in his debut. They project as a middle of the pact team in a strong AAC, that features a pair of top-15 programs in Memphis and Houston.

Georgia vs Cincinnati Pick

The Bulldogs on the other hand, are projected to finish last in the stacked SEC. Their conference features five top-25 programs, making it unlikely that Georgia earns more than a handful of conference wins.

The Bearcats are ranked 58 spots higher in KenPom’s early rankings, and it’s easy to see why. Cincinnati has significantly more experience and offensive talent on its roster, which is why they’re such a lofty favorite on Saturday.

The Bulldogs’ shooting woes are likely to continue on their road, and unlike their previous matchup, they won’t be able to bank on their opponent performing equally as poorly in the offensive end.

Miller completely turned around NC-Greensboro, taking them from obscurity to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and five straight 20-win seasons. He’s going to do the same thing for Cincinnati, and while the turnaround will likely take a few years, his current roster is more than capable of blowing out this underwhelming Georgia team.

Pick: Cincinnati -9.5 (-116), Under 138.5 (-108)

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