The LSU Tigers (7-2) and their phenomenal offense travel to Houston to take on the 24th-ranked Cougars (8-0) and their exceptional defense. The game will air on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 12, 2018.
LSU Tigers at Houston Cougars Betting Odds
Both teams dismantled their last opponent. The Cougars defeated the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 101-54, while the Tigers beat the Southeastern Louisiana Lions 94-63.
LSU played a perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 10.2 and a free throw rate of 0.364. For those same stats, Southeastern Louisiana had marks of 24.3 and 0.222, respectively. The Cougars, meanwhile, 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). Houston was led by Armoni Brooks, who put up 24 points. Naz Reid played a key role for LSU with 17 points and six rebounds.
The Tigers won the only contest between these two teams last year, 80-77. Making free throws was one of LSU’s biggest strengths. They were 17-20 (85.0 percent), while the Cougars were 10-14 (71.4 percent).
This battle figures to be a shootout as a pair of the NCAA’s best offenses clash. Since last season, Houston ranks 45th with 113.8 points per 100 possessions and LSU is 21st (113.6).
LSU Tigers vs. Houston Cougars Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Houston ranks 37th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while LSU ranks 168th (5.9).
- The Cougars average 23.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 112th in the nation. The Tigers rank 144th in three pointers allowed per game (23.5).
- Houston is 43rd in the nation with 11.1 assists allowed per game while LSU is 52nd with 12.4 assists allowed per game.
- The Tigers rank 14th in blocks per game (3.7) while the Cougars rank 110th (3.3).
- Houston ranks 46th in rebounds per game (39.0) while LSU ranks 80th (34.2).
