The Connecticut Huskies (16-16, 7-12 AAC) face off against the 11th-ranked Houston Cougars (29-2, 16-2 AAC) in the American Athletic Conference Tournament at FedExForum. The Cougars opened as a 10-point favorite. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 140 points and it can be seen on ESPN2 at 12 p.m. ET on Friday, March 15, 2019.
Connecticut Huskies vs. Houston Cougars Betting Odds
Both teams covered in their last outing. The Cougars (2.5-point favorites) defeated the 20th-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats 85-69 in their last matchup, while the Huskies (6.5-point favorite) beat the South Florida Bulls 80-73 in their last outing. Both games went over their projected point totals. The Houston game finished 26.5 points over the projected point total of 127.5, while the Connecticut game finished 13 points over the projected point total of 140.
The Huskies, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.513, had an extraordinary mark of 0.685 and had a free throw rate of 0.370 (above their season average of 0.218). The Cougars, meanwhile, had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 48.6 (above their season average of 34.0) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.554 (above their season average of 0.528). Houston was led by Corey Davis Jr., who had 31 points and six assists. Meanwhile, Christian Vital had a solid performance for Connecticut, finishing with 25 points and five rebounds.
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Huskies games, with 16 unders compared to 14 overs. Connecticut heads into the game with records of 16-16 straight up (SU) and 18-13 against the spread (ATS).
Similarly to Connecticut, games involving the Cougars have a slight tendency to go under the total (54.8 percent). Additionally, Houston owns records of 29-2 SU and 19-10-2 ATS.
The offensive glass could be a major edge for Houston in this matchup. The Cougars rank 28th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.5 percent), while Connecticut ranks 265th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.9 percent).
Connecticut Huskies vs. Houston Cougars Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Connecticut, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Connecticut ranks 16th in three pointers allowed per game (18.7) while Houston ranks 174th (22.8).
- The Cougars rank 10th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Huskies rank 109th (3.2).
- Houston ranks 50th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while Connecticut ranks 106th (6.1).
- The Cougars rank ninth in rebounds per game (40.8) while the Huskies rank 152nd (35.5).
- Houston ranks 50th in assists per game (15.2) while Connecticut ranks 161st (13.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cougars are 2-2-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Huskies are 3-2.
- In their last five games, Houston has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Connecticut has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.6, down from 14.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (3.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.4 points per game (1.5 below their season average).
