Cincinnati at North Carolina State

A pair of powerhouse defensive teams meet for this one. Cincinnati is on a 45-12 run UNDER the total and is holding opponents to 54.5 points per game, #9 best in the nation. Cincy also ranks nationally in blocks per game (#11 at 6.3) and field-goal percentage defense (#24 at .372%). The UNDER is 42-13 in the Bearcats' last 55 non-conference games. The Bearcats have held their opponents under 70 points for 15 consecutive games, dating back to last season. That's tied with New Mexico for the second-longest active streak in the nation. Virginia is first at 17 consecutive games. Cincinnati is 5-0 UNDER the total against the ACC and faces an NC State team that is great at rebounding, shot blocking and defense. They just held a good LA Tech team to .415% shooting in a win. Cincinnati won last season's meeting with NC State 68-57 and this one shapes up as a defensive duel as well. Take the UNDER.