The LSU Tigers (5-2) will attempt to put an end to the seven-game winning streak of Houston when they welcome the Cougars (8-1) to Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 154 points with Houston opening as a 2-point favorite. Action starts at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, and it can be seen on SEC Network.
Houston Cougars vs. LSU Tigers Odds Preview
The Cougars dismantled the Saint Louis Billikens in their last contest, 77-58. Rob Gray Jr. was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 5-for-10 shooting. Houston dominated every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.0 (below their season average of 37.4) and a free throw rate of 0.604 (above their season average of 0.248). Saint Louis put up marks of 12.5 and 0.455, respectively, for those same stats.
In the Tigers last game, they topped the UNCW Seahawks, 97-84. With 30 points on 13-for-17 shooting, Duop Reath was the games leading scorer. LSU played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.279 (below their season average of 0.279) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.1 (below their season average of 37.1). UNCW had marks of 0.206 and 24.4, respectively, for those same stats.
The offense of LSU will go head-to-head against the stingy defense of Houston. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Tigers rank 163rd in offensive efficiency, while the Cougars are 29th in defensive efficiency. The Cougars figure to have the advantage on that end of the court. Furthermore, the Cougars, who rank 19th in offensive rebounding percentage (32.9 percent), will battle against the Tigers, who rank 283rd in defensive rebounding percentage (68.4 percent).
Of Houston’s 6 games with betting action, three have finished over the projected point total, while 4 of LSU’s 6 games have finished over the O/U total. The Cougars have the substantial advantage straight up (SU) (8-1 vs. 5-2), but both teams are right around the .500 mark against the spread (ATS).
The Tigers won the lone game against the Cougars last season, 84-65. The Tigers played a nearly perfect game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 51.3 and a turnover percentage of 13.6. The Cougars were 25.7 and 17.2, respectively, for those same stats.
Houston Cougars vs. LSU Tigers ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Cougars average 5.5 steals per game, which ranks 117th in the nation. The Tigers rank 170th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
- 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).
