The Houston Cougars (8-3) square off with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-5) in the Diamond Head Classic at Stan Sheriff Center. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, December 23, 2019.
Houston Cougars vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Yellow Jackets were victorious over the Boise State Broncos 74-60, while the Cougars easily got past the Portland Pilots 81-56.
Houston dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (below their season average of 40.2) and a turnover percentage of 12.2 (better than their season average of 14.7). For those same stats, Portland was 18.8 and 21.6, respectively. The Yellow Jackets, on the other hand, had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 36.7 (above their season average of 25.1) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.527 (above their season average of 0.475). Georgia Tech was led by Moses Wright, who put up 18 points and nine rebounds. Quentin Grimes, meanwhile fueled Houston with 18 points, six assists and five rebounds.
This game should be a showdown of opposite paces. Georgia Tech prefers to play up-tempo (33rd in possessions per game), while Houston likes to grind-it-out (258th in possessions per game). Additionally, the 14th-ranked offense of the Cougars (offensive efficiency of 114.3) will square off against the 59th-ranked defense of the Yellow Jackets (defensive efficiency of 90.5).
Houston Cougars vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Betting Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Houston averages 43.5 rebounds per game, which ranks third in the country. Georgia Tech ranks 212th in rebounds allowed per game (37.6).
- The Cougars rank 80th in assists per game (14.2) while the Yellow Jackets rank 152nd in assists allowed per game (13.6).
- The Cougars rank ninth in steals allowed per game (4.4) while the Yellow Jackets rank 173rd (8.7).
- Houston ranks third in blocks allowed per game (1.7) while Georgia Tech ranks 77th (3.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Yellow Jackets’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.0, up from 1.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 72.0 points per game (0.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 58.6 points per game (1.5 below their season average).
