The Houston Cougars (6-0) and their outstanding offense welcome the Lamar Cardinals (4-4) and their stifling defense. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.
Lamar Cardinals vs. Houston Cougars Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Cougars defeated the 18th-ranked Oregon Ducks 65-61, while the Cardinals beat the Rice Owls 75-68.
Lamar dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.7 (below their season average of 40.8) and a free throw rate of 0.368 (above their season average of 0.282). For those same stats, Rice was 20.0 and 0.276, respectively. Houston, meanwhile, dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had a turnover percentage of 15.2 (worse than their season average of 12.4) and a free throw rate of 0.316 (above their season average of 0.204). For those same stats, Oregon was 20.9 and 0.245, respectively. Armoni Brooks fueled Houston with 22 points and nine rebounds. Lamar, meanwhile, was lifted by Edwin Jeudy, who had 15 points and 10 rebounds.
This matchup pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Since the 2017-18 season, Houston ranks 28th in offensive efficiency and Lamar ranks 30th in defensive efficiency.
Lamar Cardinals at Houston Cougars Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Houston, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Houston ranks 27th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Lamar ranks 204th (3.9).
- The Cardinals rank ninth in steals per game (8.5) while the Cougars rank 138th (6.4).
- The Cougars rank 26th in assists allowed per game (11.0) while the Cardinals rank 183rd (13.6).
- Houston ranks 38th in rebounds per game (38.6) while Lamar ranks 183rd in rebounds allowed per game (35.3).
