South Florida Bulls vs. Houston Cougars Free Prediction 01/26/20

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Expect a defensive struggle when the South Florida Bulls (8-11, 1-5 AAC) clash with the 25th-ranked Houston Cougars (15-4, 5-1 AAC) at Fertitta Center. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 26, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.

South Florida Bulls at Houston Cougars ATS Odds

In their last game, the Cougars beat the UConn Huskies, 63-59, while the Bulls fell to the Wichita State Shockers, 56-43.

Houston dominated nearly every stat category in the contest. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.532 (above their season average of 0.252) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.7 (below their season average of 40.4). UConn recorded marks of 0.273 and 17.5, respectively, for those same stats. South Florida, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (17-24; 70.8 percent). DeJon Jarreau had a good outing for Houston, recording 18 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. David Collins, meanwhile fueled South Florida with 14 points.

The Cougars dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the last matchup, Houston won 71-59. Houston had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.547 vs. 0.396). South Florida, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.438 vs. 0.245). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.

Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams battle. Houston currently ranks 289th in possessions per game (67.3) and South Florida is 326th (66.1).

South Florida at Houston Odds Pick

Free Pick: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – South Florida, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Houston ranks third in rebounds per game (42.8) while South Florida ranks 233rd (33.2).
  • The Cougars rank 121st in assists per game (13.4) while the Bulls rank 245th (10.1).
  • The Bulls rank 28th in steals per game (8.4) while the Cougars rank 203rd (5.0).
  • Houston ranks 14th in blocks per game (5.6) while South Florida ranks 172nd (2.3).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 59.0 points per game (3.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.2 points per game (1.7 below their season average).
  • The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, down from 9.7 for the season.