BYU Cougars vs Cincinnati Bearcats Picks and Prediction for Tuesday, March 3

By: David Anicetti Published 03/03/2026, 01:50 AM ET
Use Code PPWC

BYU visits Fifth Third Arena on Tuesday to play Cincinnati in a Big 12 matchup. The Cougars are 20-9 overall and 8-8 in conference play, eighth in the Big 12 standings. BYU lost 79-71 at West Virginia in its last game. The Bearcats are 16-13 overall and 8-8 in the Big 12, tied with BYU in the standings, and coming off a 91-68 home win over Oklahoma State. Grab a winner with our free college basketball picks.

Game Information

  • Date: Tuesday, March 3
  • Time: 9:00 PM ET
  • Location: Fifth Third Arena, Cincinnati, OH
  • TV: ESPN2

BYU Cougars Preview

BYU averages 85.0 points per game while allowing 75.3. AJ Dybantsa leads the Cougars with an average of 24.9 points per game on 53.0% shooting, while also averaging 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Robert Wright III contributes 18.3 points and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 43.0% from three. Richie Saunders adds 18.0 points and 5.8 rebounds, giving BYU three perimeter scorers who can stretch the floor. Keba Keita leads the team with 7.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, anchoring the interior. The Cougars shoot 48% from the field and average 38.7 rebounds, 14.1 assists, and 7.5 steals per game. Defensively, the Cougars allow 75.3 points per game and have struggled at times to slow opponents in transition.

Injury Report: Xavion Staton, Dawson Baker, Brody Kozlowski, KJ Perry, Nate Pickens, and Richie Saunders are out.

Key Stats โ€“ BYUย 

  • Points: 85.0
  • Points Allowed: 75.3
  • Rebounds: 38.7
  • Assists: 14.1
  • Steals: 7.5
  • Blocks: 4.7
  • Turnovers: 10.7

Cincinnati Bearcats Preview

Cincinnati averages 73.2 points per game while allowing 67.5, one of the better defensive marks in the Big 12. Baba Miller leads the Bearcats with averages of 13.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 54.6% from the field. Moustapha Thiam averages 12.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. Day Day Thomas contributes 11.4 points and 3.4 assists per game and shoots 39.9% from three. The Bearcats shoot 43% from the field and average 37.0 rebounds and 16.4 assists per game.. Allowing just 67.5 points per game, Cincinnati limits second chances and forces opponents into contested shots. The Bearcats have won four of their last five games, including decisive wins over Kansas and Oklahoma State.

Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers

Subscribe Now

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Picks And Parlays may use third-party services to process my data.

Injury Report: Tyler McKinley, Jordi Rodriguez, and Jalen Haynes are out.

Key Stats โ€“ Cincinnatiย 

  • Points: 73.2
  • Points Allowed: 67.5
  • Rebounds: 37.0
  • Assists: 16.4
  • Steals: 6.4
  • Blocks: 4.0
  • Turnovers: 11.6

BYU Cougars vs Cincinnati Bearcats Prediction

BYU has the higher-scoring offense, but Cincinnati holds the defensive edge and controls tempo at home. The Bearcats allow nearly eight fewer points per game and rebound at a comparable rate. In a matchup of two 8-8 conference teams, Cincinnatiโ€™s ability to slow the pace and defend inside will be the difference. Final Score Prediction: Cincinnati wins and covers ATS, 72-69.

Betting on College Basketball?

BetMGM Sport

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Recommended BetMGM Sport Bonus
Min. Deposit $5
Cashable No
FanDuel Sportsbook

New Users โ€“ Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Hot Offer FanDuel Sportsbook Bonus
Requirement New Users โ€“ Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)
Cashable No
DraftKings Sport

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Hot Offer DraftKings Sport Bonus
Min. Deposit $5
Odds Requirements -500
Cashable No
Video: World Cup: Mexico vs England BEST Bets & Predictions | July 5, 2026
World Cup: Mexico vs England BEST Bets & Predictions | July 5, 2026
Video: Brazil vs Norway: The Bet You AREN'T Thinking Of! | BEST World Cup Predictions | July 5, 2026
Brazil vs Norway: The Bet You AREN'T Thinking Of! | BEST World Cup Predictions | July 5, 2026

Best Picks

  • Cincinnati Bearcats
  • Under
logo

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN). 21+ (18+ WY). AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. T&C's Apply. Void where prohibited. If you click on a link on this site which takes you to a bookmaker or casino and you subsequently open an account, Pick and Parlays may receive a commission. Bets placed are the responsibility of the bettor.

Copyright ยฉ 2026 Picks and Parlays. All rights reserved.

The sports news and information contained at this site is for entertainment purposes only. Any use of this information in violation of laws whether they are federal, state and/or local is prohibited. Picks and Parlays is the nation's premier resource for sports betting and handicapping information.

Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Special Offer
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Play now Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.