What's a Bearcat? Hawkeyes Are about to Find Out

Clearly, teams chose mascots and nicknames as metaphors for traits like ferocity or geographical location.

There aren't too many lions in Detroit -- some would say none, including the football team -- and Toronto's hockey team is named after a mythical WWI Canadian regiment, not leaves, which accounts for the Leafs spelling.

Believe it or not, there is such a Bearcat, but it's nowhere near Cincinnati.

 

So now we know.

Mean-looking teeth. Impressive claws. And for nature's sake, it does it's business. Kinda like the team that adopted its name is gonna do today, one way or the other.

Bovada lists Cincinnati at -5 against Iowa in this first-round matchup, with the total set at 137 and the moneyline at Cincinnati -235 and Iowa +195.

Why bet on Iowa ...

The Hawkeyes finished sixth in the Big Ten and lost to Michigan in the tournament quarterfinals. Still, this conference may not get huggy-love from the Dance chaperones in seeding -- ie- Michigan State's on the No 2 line -- it managed to get eight invitations, one of which is Iowa.

Four of Iowa's five starters average double figures in scoring and shoot 40% or better from the field. They're proficient at launching in volume, which is how they keep games close.

 

Why bet on Cincinnati ...

The Bearcats's strong season was capped off by beating Houston for the AAC title, a sign that they're firing on all cylinders right now. That's always a good thing come tournament time.

Cincinnati's posted 15 double-digit victories and average 71 points per game. They're led by the backcourt tandem of Jarron Cumberland (18.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.6 apg), and Keith Williams (10.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.1 apg), along with a helping hand from forward Tre Scott (9.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 47 percent from the field).

 

Instant analysis ...

At a spread of -3½, this looked one of the easiest games of Round 1. Seeing that number jump up to 5 makes it more interesting. However, Cincinnati not only takes on a team that doesn’t match up all that well with them, but they get to battle them in Columbus, right down the street from their school.

The Hawkeyes are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 NCAA Tournament games and 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS loss. Cincinnati easily covers on Friday.

ATS pick: Cincinnati -5

Result: Iowa 79 Cincinnati 72 ... Hawkeyes cover

***

 

Well, to be accurate, read closely:

Enter to win our March Madness Bracket Contest! All you need to do is pick the most winners, with our point system giving more weight to later-round winners. This is a pool for players, if you get our drift.

As well, we'll have re-sets for each round. You'll never be out of it, so get in it to win it!