The No. 6 Houston Cougars (27-7) clash against the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines (29-7) in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament at Intrust Bank Arena. Action begins at 9:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17, 2018.
Houston Cougars vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Wolverines defeated the No. 14 Montana Grizzlies 61-47, while the Cougars won a close one over the No. 11 San Diego State Aztecs 67-65.
The Cougars had a superb turnover percentage of 9.1 (better than their season average of 15.2) and held the Aztecs to an effective field goal percentage of 0.407 (below their season average of 0.522). The Wolverines, meanwhile, had a solid free throw rate of 0.298 (above their season average of 0.200) and held the Grizzlies to an effective field goal percentage of 0.348 (below their season average of 0.518). Michigan was lifted by Charles Matthews, who finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Rob Gray played a pivotal role for Houston with 39 points and eight rebounds.
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 stingy defense of Houston (18th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 96.1). Furthermore, the Cougars, who rank 35th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.1 percent), will face a tough challenge against the Wolverines, who rank 39th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.3 percent).
Rob Gray has taken his game to another level as of late for Houston, averaging 23.2 points and 4.4 assists over the last five games.
Houston Cougars vs. Michigan Wolverines ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Houston ranks 36th in rebounds per game (38.6) while Michigan ranks 244th (33.4).
- The Wolverines are fourth in the nation 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).
- 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).
Betting Trends:
- 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).
- The Cougars average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.4, down from 12.2 for the season.
