The No. 21 Houston Cougars (10-0) look to remain undefeated when they clash with the Utah State Aggies (9-2) at Fertitta Center. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 20, 2018.
Utah State Aggies vs. Houston Cougars Betting Prediction
In the Aggies’ last outing, they blew out the Montana State Bobcats, 101-71. The Aggies had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (44.4 vs. 12.5) and had a better turnover percentage (13.0 vs. 16.1). Utah State was lifted by Sam Merrill, who was the top scorer from either team with 37 points on 12-for-18 shooting.
The Cougars had no trouble getting past the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in their last outing, 101-54. The Cougars had a much better free throw rate (0.197 vs. 0.056) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 12.1). Armoni Brooks was the game’s high scorer with 24 points on 9-for-13 shooting from the field.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Merrill (0 points) has been stellar for the Aggies while Corey Davis Jr. (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Cougars.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Cougars rank 28th in offensive rebounding percentage (36.2 percent), while Utah State ranks 47th in defensive rebounding percentage (80.5 percent).
Utah State Aggies at Houston Cougars Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Houston ranks 17th in rebounds per game (41.2) while Utah State ranks 140th (42.7).
The Cougars rank 32nd in blocks per game (4.7) while the Aggies rank 135th (4.5).
Utah State ranks 88th in three pointers attempted per game (19.5) while Houston ranks 172nd in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
The Cougars rank 32nd in assists allowed per game (10.8) while the Aggies rank 77th (9.7).
Houston averages 6.8 steals per game, which ranks 86th in the NCAA. Utah State ranks 97th in steals allowed per game (6.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Aggies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 25.6, up from 18.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (3.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 58.4 points per game (1.8 below their season average).
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