The No. 21 Houston Cougars (17-1, 4-1 AAC) travel to South Florida to take on the Bulls (12-5, 2-3 AAC) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Houston Cougars at South Florida Bulls Betting Prediction
The last time the Cougars played, they defeated the SMU Mustangs, 69-58. Houston’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over SMU. The Cougars had a rate of 6.1 (better than their season average of 14.4), while the Mustangs posted a mark of 11.7. With 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting, Corey Davis Jr. was Houston’s leading scorer.
The Bulls were beaten by the Cincinnati Bearcats in their last contest, 82-74. Cincinnati’s 14.5 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over South Florida, who had a rate of 25.8. The Bearcats’ mark was worse than their season average of 13.8, while the Bulls’ was above their season average of 19.1. With 26 points on 9-for-17 shooting, Laquincy Rideau led South Florida in scoring.
Baskets could be hard to come by as two of the NCAA’s top defenses clash. South Florida ranks 23rd in defensive efficiency (92.6) and Houston is eighth (89.9). Furthermore, the Cougars commit the 44th-fewest errors in the nation (turnover percentage of 16.6 percent), while the disruptive defense of the Bulls causes the 10th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.5 percent).
After the Cougars won both games against the Bulls last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last game, Houston won 63-40. The Cougars had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.4 vs. 16.7) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.484 vs. 0.330).
Houston Cougars at South Florida Bulls Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Houston ranks 33rd in three pointers attempted per game (26.8) while South Florida ranks 214th (19.9).
The Cougars rank 21st in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Bulls rank 142nd (4.3).
Houston ranks 43rd in steals allowed per game (5.5) while South Florida ranks 136th (7.2).
The Bulls rank 32nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.5) while the Cougars rank 116th (34.5).
Houston ranks 25th in assists allowed per game (10.7) while South Florida ranks 103rd (12.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.4, down from 14.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (3.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.6 points per game (8.8 above their season average).
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