The No. 11 Wichita State Shockers (25-6, 15-4 AAC) clash against the No. 21 Houston Cougars (25-6, 15-4 AAC) in the American Athletic Conference Tournament at Amway Center. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 10, 2018.
Houston Cougars vs. Wichita State Shockers Betting Prediction
In the Cougars’ last outing, they blew out the UCF Knights, 84-56. The Cougars had a phenomenal effective field goal percentage of 0.614 (above their season average of 0.542) and had a turnover percentage of 10.8 (better than their season average of 15.5). Rob Gray had a good game for Houston, contributing 17 points, six assists and five rebounds.
The Shockers were victorious over the Temple Owls in their last contest, 89-81. The Shockers held the Owls to an offensive rebounding percentage of 10.7 (below their season average of 28.2) and had a free throw rate of 0.519 (above their season average of 0.248). Landry Shamet led Wichita State in scoring with 24 points on 8-for-10 shooting.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the productive offense of Wichita State takes on the stingy defense of Houston. The Shockers rank fifth in offensive efficiency, while the Cougars are 16th in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Cougars rank 15th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.2 percent), while the Shockers rank 13th in defensive rebounding percentage (77.2 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Gray (21.0 points and 6.4 assists) has been stellar for the Cougars while Shaquille Morris (18.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks) has made solid contributions to the Shockers.
The two teams have split their two matchups this season. The Cougars won the most recent matchup 73-59. Houston had a much better turnover percentage (12.6 vs. 20.7). Wichita State, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.0 vs. 20.5). Corey Davis Jr. had a stellar game, with 17 points and eight rebounds.
Houston Cougars vs. Wichita State Shockers Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Houston ranks 99th in three pointers allowed per game (20.5) while Wichita State ranks 246th (23.7).
The Cougars rank 115th in steals per game (6.4) while the Shockers rank 235th (4.7).
Houston ranks 20th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Wichita State ranks 117th (3.3).
The Shockers rank third in assists per game (18.7) while the Cougars rank 64th (15.2).
Wichita State averages 40.6 rebounds per game, which ranks ninth in the NCAA. Houston ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (31.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.2, up from 13.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Shockers have scored an average of 80.4 points per game (2.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.6 points per game (4.4 above their season average).
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