The undefeated 19th-ranked Houston Cougars (14-0, 1-0 AAC) try to stay unbeaten when they go head-to-head against the Memphis Tigers (9-5, 1-0 AAC) at Fertitta Center. The game will air on ESPNews at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 6, 2019.
Memphis Tigers at Houston Cougars Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Cougars dismantled the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 101-54, while the Tigers were victorious over the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 76-61.
The Tigers had a much better turnover percentage (15.1 vs. 28.6) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.459 vs. 0.404). Meanwhile, Houston dominated every facet of their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.197 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3. Alabama A&M was 0.056 and 12.1, respectively, for those same stats. Armoni Brooks played a key role for Houston with 24 points. Memphis rallied around Kyvon Davenport, who had 30 points and 10 rebounds.
The Tigers won the only game between these two teams last season, 91-85. Memphis made good use of their 36 trips to the charity stripe, converting on 29 of them (80.6 percent). Houston, on the other hand, was 18-20 (90.0 percent). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
The Tigers’ Jeremiah Martin has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Corey Davis Jr. has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Cougars.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Houston figures to have a considerable edge. The Cougars defense ranks second in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.410), while the Memphis offense is ranked 144th in effective field goal percentage (0.525). It will also be a showdown of opposite tempos as the quick-paced Tigers rank 10th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Cougars rank 293rd.
Memphis Tigers vs. Houston Cougars Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Memphis, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Houston ranks 21st in assists allowed per game (10.3) while Memphis ranks 178th (14.6).
- The Cougars rank seventh in rebounds per game (43.2) while the Tigers rank 88th in rebounds allowed per game (33.6).
- Houston averages 6.9 steals per game, which ranks 87th in the nation. Memphis ranks 165th in steals allowed per game (7.9).
- The Cougars rank 46th in three pointers attempted per game (26.6) while the Tigers rank 175th (21.4).
- Houston ranks 34th in blocks per game (4.7) while Memphis ranks 142nd in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 20.8, up from 16.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (5.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.0 points per game (2.0 above their season average).
