Houston Cougars at Saint Louis Billikens Betting Odds

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The Houston Cougars (7-1) visit Chaifetz Arena to go head-to-head with the Saint Louis Billikens (4-4). The Cougars will attempt to lengthen their six-game winning streak. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 135 points with Houston set as an 8.5-point favorite. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017.

Houston Cougars at Saint Louis Billikens Betting Preview

The last time the Cougars played, they easily got past the Fairfield Stags, 88-66. Rob Gray Jr. was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting. Houston played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.224 (below their season average of 0.251) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.5 (below their season average of 37.8). Fairfield was 0.148 and 23.1, respectively, for those same stats. The Billikens will look to keep it rolling after beating the Southern Illinois Salukis in their last contest, 74-69. With 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting, Jordan Goodwin was the games high scorer. The Billikens had a turnover percentage of 10.8 (better than their season average of 18.0) and held the Salukis to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.5 (below their season average of 26.3). Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams clash. Saint Louis ranks 332nd in possessions per game (65.4) and Houston is 317th (66.4) since last season. Also, the Cougars rank 45th in opponents effective field goal percentage (0.469), while the Billikens rank 328th in effective field goal percentage (0.467). Of Houston’s 5 games with betting action, three have finished under the O/U total, while 3 of Saint Louis 6 games have finished over the O/U total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Cougars have a significant advantage. They are 7-1 SU and 3-2 ATS, while the Billikens are 4-4 SU and 2-4 ATS.

Houston Cougars vs. Saint Louis Billikens Odds Prediction

Predictions: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Under

Betting Notes (2016-Present):

  • The Cougars average 3.5 blocks per game, which ranks 131st in the nation. The Billikens rank 185th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
  • Houston ranks 27th in assists allowed per game (10.9) while Saint Louis ranks 246th (14.8).
  • The Cougars rank 140th in rebounds per game (36.4) while the Billikens rank 260th (33.4).
  • Houston ranks 25th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Saint Louis ranks 138th (6.2).