Offense meets defense when the SMU Mustangs (11-5, 3-1 AAC) welcome the No. 21 Houston Cougars (16-1, 3-1 AAC) to Moody Coliseum. The game will air on ESPNews at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.
Houston Cougars vs. SMU Mustangs Betting Prediction
The Cougars will be hoping for similar success after topping the Wichita State Shockers in their last contest, 79-70. The Cougars, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.507, had a superb mark of 0.578 and had a better turnover percentage (15.8 vs. 19.0). With 20 points on 6-for-14 shooting, Corey Davis Jr. was Houston’s high scorer.
In the Mustangs’ last game, they dismantled the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, 77-57. The Mustangs held the Golden Hurricane to an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.4 (below the 28.1 mark opponents have averaged against SMU this season). The Golden Hurricane had a free throw rate of 0.179 (below their season average of 0.329). With 10 points and 10 rebounds, SMU’s Jimmy Whitt Jr. played well.
After the Cougars won both games against the Mustangs last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Houston won 69-56. The Cougars had a much better turnover percentage (14.6 vs. 21.0) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.516 vs. 0.411).
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of SMU takes on the stingy defense of Houston. The Mustangs rank 23rd in offensive efficiency, while the Cougars are 10th in defensive efficiency.
Houston Cougars at SMU Mustangs Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Houston ranks 27th in assists allowed per game (10.6) while SMU ranks 149th (13.9).
The Cougars average 27.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 32nd in the country. The Mustangs rank 147th in three pointers allowed per game (23.0).
SMU ranks 17th in rebounds allowed per game (30.9) while Houston ranks 112th (34.5).
The Cougars rank 30th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Mustangs rank 87th (3.6).
SMU ranks 14th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Houston ranks 69th (5.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, down from 14.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Mustangs have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (0.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.0 points per game (5.4 below their season average).
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