BYU Cougars vs Cincinnati Bearcats Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 03/03/26

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BYU appears to be heading in the wrong direction with just two games left in the regular season. The Cougars have lost three of their last four matchups, and things won’t get any easier against a red-hot Cincinnati team that has won five of its last six games. The Bearcats have found their rhythm offensively, averaging 82.5 points per game over their last six while holding opponents to just 69.2 points per game. BYU, on the other hand, is averaging only 75.5 points over its last four games while allowing 80 points during that span.  

It’s clear that not having Richie Saunders in the lineup has been a major issue for the Cougars. AJ Dybantsa has done everything he can to keep BYU in it, averaging 26.6 points per game over his last five games, and Robert Wright III has been solid as well. However, the Cougars still haven’t found anyone capable of replacing Saunders’ production, which has hurt them offensively. BYU will also have a difficult time slowing down Moustapha Thiam, who has been electric for Cincinnati. Thiam hasn’t scored fewer than 20 points in his last three games and is averaging 20.6 points over his last five, well above his season average of 12.6. The Bearcats are simply playing better basketball right now, and they’ll also have the advantage of playing at home, where they are 14-3 this season. BYU has struggled on the road, going just 3-5. Look for Cincinnati to take care of business as they continue building their tournament resume. 

BYU vs Cincinnati prediction: Cincinnati -1.5 (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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