NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Game Preview: Cincinnati Bearcats vs Tarleton State Texans
The Cincinnati Bearcats will try to get back on track Monday night as they host the Tarleton State Texans at Fifth Third Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, with live coverage on ESPN+.
Cincinnati (5-2) is coming off a shocking 64-56 loss to Eastern Michigan as a 20-point home favorite, while Tarleton State (5-3) enters on a three-game winning streak. Both teams are dealing with injuries to key players, which could impact the pace and efficiency of this game.
This non-conference matchup gives the Bearcats a final tune-up before a rivalry clash with Xavier later in the week. For Tarleton State, it’s another shot to pull off a road upset against a high-major opponent.
Track more previews and picks at NCAAB picks.
Discover Where the Sharps Are Betting
Real Trends, Real Edges, Real Wins
Odds and Key Information
| Line | Consensus Market |
|---|---|
| Spread | Cincinnati -17.5 |
| Moneyline | Cincinnati -4114, Tarleton +1168 |
| Total (Over/Under) | 145.5 |
| Game Time | 7:00 PM ET, Monday, Dec. 1 |
| Venue | Fifth Third Arena, Cincinnati, OH |
Follow real-time line movement at NCAAB odds and scores.
Cincinnati Outlook
The Bearcats are coming off one of their worst offensive performances in recent memory. Playing without big man Baba Miller and guard Jalen Celestine, Cincinnati fell behind early and never recovered against Eastern Michigan. The offense was disjointed, with poor ball movement and minimal bench production.
Still, Cincinnati has shown its ceiling, including a 94-67 win over NJIT earlier this month. Day Day Thomas leads the team with 13 PPG, and Shon Abaev (11.7 PPG) and Moustapha Thiam (11.3 PPG) provide support on both ends. The Bearcats average 75.4 points per game and rank 31st nationally in possessions per game (72.4).
Head coach Wes Miller will look for a sharper response before facing Xavier. The home court has been friendly to the Bearcats—they’re 5-2 at Fifth Third Arena this season.
Explore team stats and player metrics at NCAAB teams.
Tarleton State Outlook
The Texans have won three straight games, including a 67-57 comeback over Midwestern State without two of their top scorers. Dior Johnson (23.6 PPG) and Chris Mpaka (10.0 PPG) were sidelined, yet the team rallied behind Jordan Mizell’s 14 points and five steals.
Offensively, Tarleton State averages 76.5 points per game and is one of the most efficient teams at the free-throw line, shooting 79.7% (11th nationally). They also rank 20th in free throws made per game—key for staying in range as underdogs.
Their most notable road performance came in a 90-81 win over Rice, where they shot nearly 59% from the field. If Johnson returns, the Texans gain an elite scoring option who can stretch the defense and create off the dribble.
Full roster breakdowns and trends can be found at NCAAB teams.
Key Matchup Table
| Category | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Offensive Efficiency | Tarleton State |
| Rebounding | Cincinnati |
| Turnovers Forced | Tarleton State |
| Depth & Rotation | Cincinnati |
| Free Throw Shooting | Tarleton State |
The availability of Dior Johnson and Baba Miller will tilt key areas—especially rebounding and scoring punch.
Betting Trends
- Cincinnati is 4-2 ATS at home this season.
- Bearcats are 5-0 SU as double-digit favorites.
- Tarleton State is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs major-conference teams.
- Tarleton is 3-0 ATS in their last 3 games overall.
- The total has gone Under in 4 of Cincinnati’s last 6 home games.
- The total has gone Under in 5 of Tarleton’s last 7 games.
Get sharper picks and breakdowns at NCAAB picks.
Gain Full Access to Pro Betting Reports
Stats That Turn Insight Into Profit
Prediction
This is a bounce-back spot for Cincinnati, but Tarleton State has the pieces to make things uncomfortable—especially if Dior Johnson is cleared to play. The Texans’ ability to get to the line and hit free throws gives them a scoring lifeline even if their shooting cools off.
Cincinnati will likely win at home, but with their current injury issues and inconsistent offensive sets, covering 17.5 could be a stretch. Expect a stronger effort from the Bearcats, but Tarleton has the backcourt and tempo control to keep this within the number.
Projected Score: Cincinnati 78, Tarleton State 66
Spread Pick: Tarleton State +17.5
Total Lean: Under 145.5
Check updated totals and spreads at NCAAB odds and scores.
Why You Need Expert Picks
When major programs face motivated mid-majors, hidden value often lies in the spread—not the moneyline. Use the Handicappers Leaderboard to see which experts are outperforming the market. Filter picks by ROI, conference, or streaks to fine-tune your strategy.
Also explore futures markets via John Wooden Award odds/predictions and College Basketball Championship odds, or level up with our NBA expert betting guide.
