The No. 19 Houston Cougars (14-0, 1-0 AAC) try to stay undefeated when they meet the Memphis Tigers (9-5, 1-0 AAC) at Fertitta Center. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 6, 2019, and will air on ESPNews.
Memphis Tigers vs. Houston Cougars Betting Prediction
In the Tigers’ last game, they beat the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, 76-61. Memphis’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Tennessee Tech. The Tigers had a rate of 15.1, while the Golden Eagles posted a mark of 28.6. Memphis was lifted by Kyvon Davenport, who was the top scorer from either team with 30 points on 11-for-17 shooting.
The Cougars easily got 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 top scorer from either team with 24 points on 9-for-13 shooting from the field.
When considering effective field goal percentage, Houston should have a substantial advantage. The Cougars defense ranks second in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.410), while the Memphis offense is ranked 144th in effective field goal percentage (0.525). This game should be a battle of conflicting tempos. The aggressively-paced Tigers rank 10th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Cougars rank 293rd.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Jeremiah Martin (0 points) has been fantastic for the Tigers while Corey Davis Jr. (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Cougars.
After the Tigers won the lone game against the Cougars last season, 91-85, these teams will battle for the first time this year. Memphis did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (29-36; 80.6 percent). Houston, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.7 vs. 35.7).
Memphis Tigers at Houston Cougars Odds Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Memphis, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Houston ranks 21st in assists allowed per game (10.3) while Memphis ranks 178th (14.6).
The Cougars rank 46th in three pointers attempted per game (26.6) while the Tigers rank 175th (21.4).
Houston averages 4.7 blocks per game, which ranks 34th in the country. Memphis ranks 142nd in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
The Cougars rank seventh in rebounds per game (43.2) while the Tigers rank 88th in rebounds allowed per game (33.6).
Houston ranks 87th in steals per game (6.9) while Memphis ranks 165th in steals allowed per game (7.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Tigers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 8.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (4.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 58.4 points per game (0.5 above their season average).
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