The Houston Cougars (7-3) face off against the Portland Pilots (8-4) in the Diamond Head Classic at Stan Sheriff Center. The Pilots opened as an 18-point underdog. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 135.5 points and it can be seen on ESPNU at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Houston Cougars vs. Portland Pilots Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Pilots lost to the Jackson State Tigers, 73-63, while the Cougars had no trouble getting past the UTEP Miners, 77-57.
Houston played a flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (below their season average of 40.2) and a free throw rate of 0.197 (matching their season average). UTEP was 23.3 and 0.148, respectively, for those same stats. Portland, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (20-28; 71.4 percent). Portland received a boost from Takiula Fahrensohn, who had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Nate Hinton played well for Houston, putting up 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Vegas has a tendency to set the total low when the Cougars are involved, as six of their 10 games have gone over the projected point total. Houston has a respectable 7-3 straight up (SU) record, but they are just 4-6 against the spread (ATS).
It’s tough to find a trend for Pilots games in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Additionally, Portland is 8-4 SU and 6-4 ATS.
Portland appears to have the edge on the defensive side of the ball. The Pilots rank 21st in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.436), while Houston is 156th in effective field goal percentage (0.509). Furthermore, the Cougars, who rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (40.2 percent), will try to exploit the Pilots, who rank 291st in defensive rebounding percentage (68.9 percent).
Houston Cougars vs. Portland Pilots Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Portland, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Houston ranks second in rebounds per game (43.8) while Portland ranks 192nd in rebounds allowed per game (36.8).
- The Pilots average 4.4 blocks per game, which ranks 42nd in the nation. The Cougars rank first in blocks allowed per game (1.5).
- The Pilots average 16.0 assists per game, which ranks 36th in the nation. The Cougars rank 114th in assists allowed per game (12.5).
- Houston ranks seventh in steals allowed per game (4.3) while Portland ranks 75th (6.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 69.4 points per game (1.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.4 points per game (1.1 below their season average).
- The Pilots’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 8.2 for the season.
