The Saint Louis Billikens (7-2) and the No. 24 Houston Cougars (9-0), who both like to play patient, will clash at Fertitta Center. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 16, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
Saint Louis Billikens at Houston Cougars Betting Prediction
The last time the Billikens played, they topped the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, 75-65. The Billikens had a much better free throw rate (0.352 vs. 0.138) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.6 vs. 17.6). Saint Louis was led by Javon Bess, who had 18 points and five rebounds.
The Cougars had no trouble getting past the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in their last contest, 101-54. The Cougars had a much better free throw rate (0.197 vs. 0.056) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 12.1). Armoni Brooks was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 9-for-13 shooting from the field.
The Cougars won the only game against the Billikens last season, 77-58. The Cougars had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.0 vs. 12.5) and had a much better free throw rate (0.604 vs. 0.455).
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams face off. Houston ranks 329th in possessions per game (67.4) and Saint Louis is 333rd (65.2) since the 2017-18 season. Moreover, the Billikens rank 268th in offensive efficiency (101.3), while the Cougars rank 19th in defensive efficiency (95.1).
Saint Louis Billikens at Houston Cougars Betting Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Saint Louis, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Houston ranks 20th in three pointers attempted per game (23.1) while Saint Louis ranks 269th (17.4).
The Cougars rank 44th in assists per game (14.7) while the Billikens rank 203rd (12.3).
Houston ranks 17th in rebounds per game (39.2) while Saint Louis ranks 106th (37.0).
The Cougars average 3.4 blocks per game, which ranks 30th in the nation. The Billikens rank 104th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
Saint Louis ranks 112th in steals per game (6.4) while Houston ranks 152nd in steals allowed per game (5.4).
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