The Houston Cougars (13-4, 3-1 AAC) and their great offense head to Wichita State to play the 16th-ranked Shockers (15-2, 3-1 AAC) and their stifling defense. Action begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020, and can be seen on ESPN2.
Houston Cougars vs. Wichita State Shockers ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Shockers were beaten by the Temple Owls, 65-53, while the Cougars beat the SMU Mustangs, 71-62.
Houston played a nearly flawless game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.304 (above their season average of 0.242) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.7 (above their season average of 41.0). SMU recorded marks of 0.097 and 30.2, respectively, for those same stats. Wichita State, meanwhile, held Temple to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.2 (below their season average of 27.4). Wichita State was lifted by Jaime Echenique, who contributed 20 points and 13 rebounds. Fabian White Jr., meanwhile had a good game for Houston, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Cougars won the sole game between these two teams last year, 79-70. Houston’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Wichita State. The Cougars had a rate of 0.578 while the Shockers posted a mark of 0.472. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
It will be a showdown of conflicting styles as the fast-breaking Shockers (ranked 46th in the NCAA in possessions per game) will look to push the more methodical Cougars (295th in possessions per game). Furthermore, the eighth-ranked offense of the Cougars (offensive efficiency of 113.0) will square off against the 16th-ranked defense of the Shockers (defensive efficiency of 87.8).
Houston Cougars at Wichita State Shockers Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Wichita State, ATS Winner – Wichita State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Wichita State ranks 49th in steals per game (8.1) while Houston ranks 224th (4.8).
- The Shockers rank 17th in assists allowed per game (9.8) while the Cougars rank 120th (12.3).
- Wichita State averages 22.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 112th in the nation. Houston ranks 141st in three pointers allowed per game (22.1).
- The Cougars rank third in rebounds per game (43.1) while the Shockers rank 155th in rebounds allowed per game (35.5).
- Houston ranks ninth in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while Wichita State ranks 139th (4.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 72.6 points per game (0.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.6 points per game (4.8 above their season average).
- The Shockers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, down from 12.2 for the season.
