It will be a showdown between two superb defenses when the Houston Cougars (6-3) take on the UTEP Miners (8-1) at Fertitta Center. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 19, 2019.
UTEP Miners vs. Houston Cougars ATS Odds
In their last game, the Cougars fell to the Oklahoma State Cowboys, 61-55, while the Miners defeated the UC Irvine Anteaters, 67-61.
The Miners knocked down 28 of their 36 free throws (77.8 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 11.9 (better than their season average of 19.3). Houston, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.0 vs. 30.3). Caleb Mills put together a good performance for Houston with 23 points. UTEP, meanwhile, rallied around Bryson Williams, who contributed 22 points.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the prolific offense of Houston takes on the stingy defense of UTEP. Since the 2018-19 season, the Cougars rank 19th in offensive efficiency, while the Miners are 19th in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Miners have been among the country’s elite at getting to the line, ranking second in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.261). The Cougars, meanhwile, rank 309th at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents’ FTA rate of 0.263.
UTEP Miners vs. Houston Cougars ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Houston ranks fourth in rebounds per game (41.1) while UTEP ranks 182nd (36.3).
- The Cougars rank 11th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Miners rank 97th (6.7).
- The Miners rank fourth in assists allowed per game (10.8) while the Cougars rank 133rd (10.7).
- Houston ranks 13th in blocks per game (4.6) while UTEP ranks 109th (2.9).
