The Tulsa Golden Hurricane (10-3) and the No. 19 Houston Cougars (13-0), who both like to play slow, will square off at Fertitta Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Houston Cougars Free Prediction
The Golden Hurricane come in on a high note after beating the Alcorn State Braves in their last matchup, 73-56. The Golden Hurricane had a much better free throw rate (0.408 vs. 0.184) and had a much better turnover percentage (17.1 vs. 25.9). Tulsa rallied around Sterling Taplin, who was the team’s leading scorer with 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting.
The last time the Cougars played, they won big over the Alabama A&M Bulldogs, 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 top scorer from either team with 24 points on 9-for-13 shooting from the field.
After the Cougars won the lone game against the Golden Hurricane last season, 104-71, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Cougars had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.687 vs. 0.438) and had a better turnover percentage (12.7 vs. 16.8).
Corey Davis Jr. has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Houston.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. Houston ranks 307th in possessions per game (67.2) and Tulsa is 299th (67.5). Furthermore, the Golden Hurricane, who rank 21st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.311), will face a tough test against the Cougars, who rank 52nd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.187).
Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Houston Cougars ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Tulsa, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Houston ranks 45th in three pointers attempted per game (26.4) while Tulsa ranks 215th (19.6).
The Cougars rank eighth in rebounds per game (42.5) while the Golden Hurricane rank 169th (35.2).
Houston ranks 24th in blocks per game (4.9) while Tulsa ranks 151st (2.5).
The Cougars rank 17th in assists allowed per game (10.1) while the Golden Hurricane rank 103rd (12.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Hurricane’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.4, up from 5.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (4.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 58.4 points per game (0.3 above their season average).
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