American Athletic Conference foes will clash when the Tulane Green Wave (10-16) square off against the Houston Cougars (18-7) at Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse. The game begins at 9:30 pm ET on Wednesday, Feb. 17 and can be seen on ESW and ES3.
The Green Wave defeated Memphis 94-87 on Saturday. Dylan Osetkowski fueled the Green Wave, recording 23 points and 13 rebounds to notch his ninth double-double of the season. The Cougars are coming off an 82-58 win against UCF on Saturday. LeRon Barnes played well for Houston, recording 13 points, seven rebounds, and one assist.
Louis Dabney has been playing at a high level as of late for the Green Wave, averaging 21.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.0 three-pointers over the last five games. On the other side, the Cougars have their own duo that have been on a tear in that span. Devonta Pollard has averaged 18.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.0 steal, and 0.6 blocks, while Damyean Dotson has put up 18.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.6 steals, and 2.2 three-pointers.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Cougars winning the first matchup 63-45. Rob Gray Jr. was a top performer in the victory with 15 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two three-pointers.
The Green Wave come into this game 10-16 Straight Up (SU) and 9-10-2 Against The Spread (ATS). The Green Wave have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 74.3 points during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 66.7 points per game.
As for their opponent, the Cougars have records of 11-8-1 ATS and 18-7 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 67.4 PPG, below their 78.6 PPG season average. The Cougars have controlled the offensive glass with an average of 14.0 offensive rebounds per game, 14th in the country. The Cougars average 69.6 points allowed per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 75.2 points per game during that span. The Houston defense has been a problem for competitors, allowing only 5.0 field goals from three-point range per game. Taking care of the basketball is something the Cougars do very well, averaging just 11.0 turnovers per game.
Houston beat Tulane in their most recent meeting this season, moving its SU record against Tulane to 6-4 in their most recent head-to-head meetings. Additionally, with a 7-3 record, Houston has the advantage ATS. Tulane held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers once, while Houston was never able to do so in their most recent five games.
Predictions: SU Winner – Hou, ATS Winner – Hou
Notes
Houston averages 78.6 points per game (ranked 51st). Tulane, on the other hand, allows 70.0 points per game (ranked 114th).
In its last game, Houston won by a margin of 24 points. Tulane is 3-4 in games decided by a margin of 18 points or more. Houston has a 6-0 record in blowouts.
The Tulane Green Wave average 68.8 possessions per game and .969 points per possession, while the Houston Cougars earn fewer possessions (67.4) but more points per possession (1.166).
The Houston Cougars average an effective field goal percentage of 52.1% this season. The Tulane Green Wave have an underachieving record of 1-7 when opponents have an eFG% of 52.1% or greater.
Houston ranks 90th in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.19. Tulane is ranked lower at 318th with an A/TO of .80.
Tulane ranks 70th in rebounds per game with 38.6 and Houston ranks 77th with 38.5 rebounds per game.
When it comes to offensive rebounds, Houston ranks 14th. Tulane ranks 139th in defensive rebounds.
On average, Tulane forces a turnover rate of 18.3%. When Houston turns over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a winning 5-3 record.
