The Houston Cougars (4-2) and their great offense visit South Carolina to play the Gamecocks (6-3) and their superb defense. The game will air on ESPNU at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 8, 2019.
Houston Cougars at South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Gamecocks defeated the Massachusetts Minutemen 84-80, while the Cougars beat the Texas State Bobcats 68-60.
Houston dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.472 (above their season average of 0.229) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 37.8 (below their season average of 40.1). Texas State had marks of 0.321 and 29.3, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s 18.3 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Massachusetts, who had a mark of 22.9. The Gamecocks’ mark was worse than their season average of 15.1, while the Minutemen’s was above their season average of 15.8. AJ Lawson had a solid outing for South Carolina with 24 points. Quentin Grimes, meanwhile had a good outing for Houston, putting up 21 points and six rebounds.
Points could be at a premium in this matchup between two of the NCAA’s best defenses. South Carolina ranks 27th in defensive efficiency (100.2) and Houston is 38th (93.5) since last season.
Houston Cougars at South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Houston ranks 72nd in three pointers attempted per game (24.7) while South Carolina ranks 299th (19.9).
- The Cougars rank 27th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Gamecocks rank 70th (6.5).
- Houston ranks 34th in assists allowed per game (10.6) while South Carolina ranks 52nd (11.9).
- The Cougars rank eighth in blocks allowed per game (2.0) while the Gamecocks rank 87th (3.8).
- Houston averages 41.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 10th in the nation. South Carolina ranks 86th in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).