The No. 3 Michigan Wolverines (29-7) clash against the No. 6 Houston Cougars (27-7) in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament at Intrust Bank Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 9:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17, 2018.
Houston Cougars vs. Michigan Wolverines ATS Prediction
In the First Round, the Cougars defeated the No. 11 San Diego State Aztecs, 67-65. Houston’s 9.1 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over San Diego State, who had a mark of 14.7. The Cougars’ mark was better than their season average of 15.2. With 39 points on 12-for-25 shooting, Rob Gray was the game’s leading scorer.
The Wolverines were victorious over the No. 14 Montana Grizzlies in the First Round, 61-47. Michigan’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Montana. The Wolverines had a rate of 0.298 (above their season average of 0.200), while the Grizzlies posted a mark of 0.143 (below their season average of 0.276). Charles Matthews was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the productive offense of Michigan (36th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 113.2) takes on the top-notch defense of Houston (18th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 96.1). Also, the Cougars rank 35th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.1 percent), while the Wolverines rank 39th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.3 percent).
Rob Gray has averaged 23.2 points and 4.4 assists over the last five games for Houston.
Houston Cougars vs. Michigan Wolverines Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Houston ranks 36th in rebounds per game (38.6) while Michigan ranks 244th (33.4).
The Cougars rank 31st in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Wolverines rank 97th (3.1).
Michigan ranks sixth in three pointers allowed per game (16.4) while Houston ranks 66th (20.1).
The Wolverines are fourth in the NCAA with 4.1 steals allowed per game while the Cougars are 26th with 5.0 steals allowed per game.
Michigan allows the 15th-fewest assists per game (10.3) while Houston ranks 24th (11.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.4, down from 12.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 73.0 points per game (1.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.2 points per game (1.9 below their season average).
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