UConn Huskies vs. Houston Cougars ATS Prediction 01/23/20

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It will be a meeting between two superb defenses when the 25th-ranked Houston Cougars (14-4, 4-1 AAC) meet the UConn Huskies (10-7, 1-3 AAC) at Fertitta Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 23, 2020, and will air on ESPNU.

UConn Huskies vs. Houston Cougars Betting Odds

In their last game, the Cougars beat the 16th-ranked Wichita State Shockers, 65-54, while the Huskies fell to the 14th-ranked Villanova Wildcats, 61-55.

The Cougars knocked down 19 of their 23 free throws (82.6 percent) and held the Shockers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.366 (below their season average of 0.475). UConn, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.5 (above their season average of 33.4). DeJon Jarreau played well for Houston with 12 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Meanwhile, UConn received a boost from Christian Vital, who contributed 13 points and eight rebounds.

The Cougars dominated this series last year, winning both contests. In the last matchup, Houston won 84-45. The Cougars’ 7.4 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Huskies, who had a rate of 14.6. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.

This matchup pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Houston ranks 13th in offensive efficiency and UConn is 48th in defensive efficiency.

UConn Huskies vs. Houston Cougars Pick

Free Prediction: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Houston averages 42.9 rebounds per game, which ranks third in the country. UConn ranks 166th in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
  • The Cougars rank sixth in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while the Huskies rank 133rd (3.9).
  • The Cougars rank 15th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while the Huskies rank 155th (7.2).
  • UConn ranks 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (17.9) while Houston ranks 159th (22.2).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 70.6 points per game (0.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.2 points per game (1.8 above their season average).
  • The Huskies have been outscored by an average of 6.8 points in their last five games. For the season, UConn has defeated opponents by an average of 6.3 points.