The 21st-ranked Houston Cougars (10-0) try to stay unbeaten when they go head-to-head with the Utah State Aggies (9-2) at Fertitta Center. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 20, 2018.
Utah State Aggies vs. Houston Cougars Betting Odds
Both teams dismantled their last opponent. The Cougars defeated the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 101-54, while the Aggies beat the Montana State Bobcats 101-71.
Utah State played a nearly flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 44.4 and a turnover percentage of 13.0. Montana State put up marks of 12.5 and 16.1, respectively, for those same stats. 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’s Armoni Brooks had a good game, putting up 24 points. Utah State was led by Sam Merrill, who finished with 37 points.
The Aggies’ Merrill has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Corey Davis Jr. has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Cougars.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Cougars are among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 28th in offensive rebounding percentage at 36.2 percent. Meanwhile, Utah State ranks 47th in the NCAA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 80.5 percent.
Utah State at Houston Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Houston ranks 17th in rebounds per game (41.2) while Utah State ranks 140th (42.7).
- The Cougars rank 32nd in assists allowed per game (10.8) while the Aggies rank 77th (9.7).
- Houston averages 6.8 steals per game, which ranks 86th in the country. Utah State ranks 97th in steals allowed per game (6.2).
- The Cougars rank 32nd in blocks per game (4.7) while the Aggies rank 135th (4.5).
- Utah State ranks 88th in three pointers attempted per game (19.5) while Houston ranks 172nd in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 20.8, up from 15.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 88.0 points per game (4.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 62.4 points per game (3.6 below their season average).
