The Houston Cougars (12-3, 2-1 AAC) welcome the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (10-6, 3-1 AAC) to Health & PE Center as they look to continue their six-game home winning streak. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 11, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 145.5 points with Houston set as a 10.5-point favorite.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Houston Cougars ATS Prediction
In the Golden Hurricane’s last game, they were beaten by the Memphis Tigers, 76-67. Memphis’ effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Tulsa. The Tigers had a rate of 0.571 (above their season average of 0.480), while the Golden Hurricane posted a mark of 0.440 (below their season average of 0.514). Martins Igbanu led Tulsa in scoring with 17 points on 5-for-6 shooting.
The Cougars were blown out by the No. 9 Wichita State Shockers in their last outing, 81-63. Wichita State’s 10.6 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Houston, who had a rate of 18.9. The Shockers’ mark was better than their season average of 15.3, while the Cougars’ was above the 14.6 mark opponents have averaged against Wichita State this season. Houston’s Corey Davis Jr. recorded 12 points and five assists in the contest.
Houston should have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Cougars rank 39th in offensive efficiency, while the Golden Hurricane rank 173rd in defensive efficiency. Also, the Golden Hurricane rank ninth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.320), while the Cougars rank 296th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.284).
Tulsa holds records of 10-6 straight up (SU) and 8-5 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Golden Hurricane tend to go over the O/U total (61.5 percent).
Meanwhile, Houston is 12-3 SU and 6-5 ATS. Contrary to Tulsa, Cougars games have typically finished under the total (63.6 percent).
After the Cougars won both matchups against the Golden Hurricane last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, Houston won 73-64. The Cougars had a much better turnover percentage (9.2 vs. 20.9) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.2 vs. 21.9).
Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Houston Cougars Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Tulsa, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Tulsa is 5-3 ATS with 4 overs and 4 unders.
At home, Houston is 2-1 ATS with 2 unders and 1 over.
Houston ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (31.1) while Tulsa ranks 157th (35.8).
The Cougars rank 45th in assists allowed per game (11.5) while the Golden Hurricane rank 174th (14.5).
Houston ranks 147th in three pointers allowed per game (22.4) while Tulsa ranks 256th (26.9).
The Cougars rank 25th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Golden Hurricane rank 105th (3.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Tulsa is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Houston is 2-2 ATS with 3 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Golden Hurricane’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.2, down from 3.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (3.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
