The ninth-ranked Houston Cougars (23-1, 10-1 AAC) and the Connecticut Huskies (13-11, 4-7 AAC) face off at XL Center. The Cougars will attempt to prolong their eight-game winning streak. The game will air on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 14, 2019.
Houston Cougars at Connecticut Huskies Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Huskies fell to the Memphis Tigers, 78-71, while the Cougars defeated the 25th-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats, 65-58.
Houston dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a solid effective field goal percentage of 0.557 (above their season average of 0.513) and a free throw rate of 0.113 (below their season average of 0.247). For those same stats, Cincinnati was 0.394 and 0.091, respectively. Connecticut, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.7 (above their season average of 33.7). Connecticut’s Christian Vital led the way, finishing with 13 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Dejon Jarreau, meanwhile played a key role for Houston with 16 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Cougars won the only contest between these two teams last season, 81-71. Houston’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Cougars had more offensive rebounds (15 vs. seven) and total rebounds (35 vs. 27). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Houston should have a considerable advantage. The Cougars defense ranks third in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.420), while the Connecticut offense is ranked 134th in effective field goal percentage (0.523).
Houston vs. Connecticut Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Connecticut, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Connecticut ranks 20th in three pointers allowed per game (18.7) while Houston ranks 206th (23.8).
- The Cougars rank 18th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Huskies rank 70th (3.0).
- Houston ranks 96th in steals per game (6.7) while Connecticut ranks 108th in steals allowed per game (6.3).
- The Cougars rank sixth in rebounds per game (41.8) while the Huskies rank 90th in rebounds allowed per game (33.5).
- Houston ranks 18th in assists allowed per game (10.4) while Connecticut ranks 101st (12.6).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 77.2 points per game (2.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 61.4 points per game (0.7 above their season average).
- The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 5.9 for the season.
