The ninth-ranked Houston Cougars (25-1, 12-1 AAC) welcome the South Florida Bulls (18-8, 7-6 AAC) to Fertitta Center. The Cougars will attempt to extend their 10-game winning streak. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
South Florida Bulls vs. Houston Cougars ATS Odds
Both teams thoroughly outplayed their last opponent. The Cougars defeated the Tulane Green Wave 85-50, while the Bulls beat the Florida College Falcons 95-54.
South Florida played a nearly perfect game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 72.7 (above their season average of 36.8) and a free throw rate of 0.317 (matching their season average). For those same stats, Florida College recorded marks of 22.0 and 0.193, respectively. The Cougars, on the other hand, held the Green Wave to an offensive rebounding percentage of 12.5 (below their season average of 27.4) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.366 (below their season average of 0.471). Houston was led by Corey Davis Jr., who put up 26 points. Meanwhile, Antun Maricevic played a pivotal role for South Florida with 16 points and nine rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Breaon Brady led the Cougars to a 69-60 win. He recorded 13 points and nine rebounds. Houston’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over South Florida. The Cougars had a rate of 0.436 while the Bulls posted a mark of 0.375.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the country’s slowest-paced teams clash. Houston ranks 281st in possessions per game (67.1) and South Florida is 267th (70.6). Also, the Bulls rank 280th in offensive efficiency (104.2), while the Cougars rank fifth in defensive efficiency (89.9).
South Florida Bulls vs. Houston Cougars Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Houston ranks 44th in three pointers attempted per game (26.0) while South Florida ranks 254th (20.3).
- The Cougars rank fifth in rebounds per game (41.8) while the Bulls rank 132nd (39.5).
- Houston ranks 95th in steals per game (6.7) while South Florida ranks 160th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
- The Cougars rank 17th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Bulls rank 161st (4.3).
- Houston ranks 21st in assists allowed per game (10.5) while South Florida ranks 158th (12.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.4, down from 7.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (1.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.0 points per game (0.7 above their season average).
