The Houston Cougars (8-1) put their seven-game winning streak on the line when they go head-to-head against the LSU Tigers (5-2) at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, and will air on SEC Network.
Houston opened as a 2-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 154 points.
Houston Cougars vs. LSU Tigers Betting Prediction
The Cougars come in on a high note after blowing out the Saint Louis Billikens in their last game, 77-58. The Cougars held the Billikens to an offensive rebounding percentage of 12.5 (below their season average of 31.0) and had a free throw rate of 0.604 (above their season average of 0.248). With 24 points on 5-for-10 shooting, Rob Gray Jr. was the game’s leading scorer.
In the Tigers’ last game, they beat the UNCW Seahawks, 97-84. The Tigers made 17 of their 20 free throws (85.0 percent) and held the Seahawks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.4 (below their season average of 34.8). Duop Reath was the top scorer from either team with 30 points on 13-for-17 shooting.
LSU might struggle to put up points as they clash against one of the nation’s best defenses. Houston ranks 29th in defensive efficiency, while the Tigers rank 163rd in offensive efficiency since last season. Furthermore, the Cougars, who rank 19th in offensive rebounding percentage (32.9 percent), will try to take advantage of the Tigers, who rank 283rd in defensive rebounding percentage (68.4 percent).
Houston holds records of 8-1 straight up (SU) and 4-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been spot on when setting the total of Cougars games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Meanwhile, LSU owns records of 5-2 SU and 3-2-1 ATS. Tigers games tend to go over the O/U total (66.7 percent).
The Tigers won the lone contest against the Cougars last season, 84-65. The Tigers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (51.3 vs. 25.7) and had a better turnover percentage (13.6 vs. 17.2).
Houston Cougars at LSU Tigers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Houston ranks eighth in assists allowed per game (11.0) while LSU ranks 194th (15.1).
The Cougars rank 11th in rebounds allowed per game (33.8) while the Tigers rank 149th (35.4).
Houston ranks 41st in blocks allowed per game (3.0) while LSU ranks 103rd (3.4).
The Cougars average 5.5 steals per game, which ranks 117th in the NCAA. The Tigers rank 170th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
