The No. 7 Wichita State Shockers (15-3, 5-1 AAC) travel to Houston to play the Cougars (14-4, 4-2 AAC) in what should be a high-scoring game. The game can be seen on ESPNU at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
Wichita State Shockers vs. Houston Cougars Free Prediction
In the Shockers’ last contest, they were topped by the SMU Mustangs, 83-78. SMU’s 0.255 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Wichita State, who had a mark of 0.125. The Mustangs’ mark was above their season average of 0.228, while the Shockers’ was below their season average of 0.237. Landry Shamet led Wichita State in scoring with 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting.
The Cougars lost to the Tulane Green Wave in their last game, 81-72. One of Tulane’s biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 32 trips to the line, while Houston went 22 times. With 24 points on 8-for-18 shooting, Rob Gray Jr. was the game’s leading scorer.
This battle figures to be a high-scoring affair as a pair of the NCAA’s best offenses face off. Houston ranks 39th with 114.4 points per 100 possessions and Wichita State is seventh (120.3).
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Shamet scored a game-high 18 points in the first game, in which the Shockers defeated the Cougars 81-63. The Shockers had a much better turnover percentage (10.6 vs. 18.9) and had a better free throw rate (0.293 vs. 0.232).
Wichita State Shockers at Houston Cougars Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Houston ranks 148th in three pointers attempted per game (21.8) while Wichita State ranks 226th in three pointers allowed per game (24.3).
The Shockers rank fifth in assists per game (19.3) while the Cougars rank 74th (15.2).
Houston ranks 24th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Wichita State ranks 88th (3.4).
The Shockers average 41.2 rebounds per game, which ranks eighth in the nation. The Cougars rank 44th in rebounds allowed per game (32.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Shockers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.8, up from 15.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (3.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.0 points per game (3.5 above their season average).
