Cincinnati vs. Texas: Game Time, TV Schedule, Spread Info and Predictions

March Madness will get one of the finer matchups when the No. 11 Texas Longhorns take on the No. 6 Cincinnati Bearcats in Nashville. 

Texas comes in with a great deal of questions after a 20-13 season, and 9-9 Big 12. They were trounced by a Final Four contender in Missouri in the Big 12 final and will need a huge effort on Friday. 

Cincinnati may be a bit more hopeful about their prospects. They are 4-1 in their last five games, and this includes spirited wins over Marquette and Syracuse. 

Let's delve deeper into this clash of underrated programs. 

Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tenn.

When: Friday, March 16 12:15 p.m. ET 

Watch: CBS 

Listen: Texas Longhorns Radio Affiliates Here; Cincinnati Bearcats Radio Affiliates Here. 

Betting Line: according to Betonline.com Cincinnati -2

Key Injuries: According to Chicago Tribune

Cincinnati: No injuries to report 

Texas: Alexis Wangmene—dislocated his left wrist on Feb. 29 against Oklahoma—Out

What's At Stake?:

This is really quite simple. Both teams are fighting for their lives, which means we can expect a great deal of defensive pressure on both ends of the court and an arena filled to the brim with excitement. 

The bad news is either team will most likely be looking at a matchup with Florida St. in the next round, which means there is no rest for the weary. 

What They're Saying:

Mike Finger of the Houston Chronicle writes on Texas' NCAA Tourney streak. "For the 14th year in a row, Texas is headed for the NCAA Tournament. After spending most of the season on the bubble, the Longhorns found out Sunday evening they will enter the tournament as the No. 11 seed in the East region and will play No. 6 Cincinnati in Nashville on Friday..."

Bill Koch of Cincinnati.com writes on Texas and their talented roster. "While Texas, UC’s opponent in the first round of the NCAA tournament’s East Region on Friday in Nashville, is constantly reloading with a fresh infusion of some of the top players in the country, UC coach Mick Cronin and his staff have put their team together the old-fashioned way – building with players who have stayed for four years and gotten better with experience."

Most Important Player to Watch:

The Bearcats come in with the two stars of note. I will be watching for Dion Dixon who is one of the most exciting players in the nation. 

There is also Yancy Gates whose size and stature make the Bearcats a tough team to beat down low. 

Key Matchup:

Cincinnati can light it up on the perimeter, but are susceptible to stifling defensive pressure as was seen in their loss to Louisville. 

Texas will have to go the extra mile to get the Bearcats off their game, but it can be done. 

Prediction:

Cincinnati 74, Texas 71

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