The No. 21 Houston Cougars (22-8, 12-5 AAC) and Memphis Tigers (21-9, 10-7 AAC) bring the regular season to an end when they go head-to-head at Fertitta Center. The game gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8, 2020.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 134 points with Houston opening as a 9.5-point favorite at most bookmakers.
Memphis Tigers at Houston Cougars Free Prediction
In the Tigers’ last game, they topped the Wichita State Shockers, 68-60. The Tigers had a solid turnover percentage of 9.2 (better than their season average of 20.0) and held the Shockers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.393 (below their season average of 0.471). Precious Achiuwa played a pivotal role for Memphis with 14 points and 16 rebounds.
The Cougars fell to the UConn Huskies in their last contest, 77-71. One of UConn’s largest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 33 free throw attempts, while Houston had just 10. Quentin Grimes put together a good performance for Houston, leading the team in scoring with 24 points on 9-for-22 shooting.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Cougars lost 60-59. Caleb Mills scored a game-high 21 points. Memphis did a fantastic job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (21-30; 70.0 percent). Houston, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.5 vs. 31.1).
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the productive offense of Houston takes on the stingy defense of Memphis. The Cougars rank 47th in offensive efficiency, while the Tigers are third in defensive efficiency. It will also be a tale of two paces as the quick-paced Tigers rank 36th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Cougars rank 303rd.
Memphis Tigers vs. Houston Cougars Betting Pick
Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Memphis, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Houston ranks fourth in rebounds per game (41.5) while Memphis ranks 222nd in rebounds allowed per game (36.6).
The Cougars rank 25th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Tigers rank 217th (7.7).
Houston ranks 11th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while Memphis ranks 79th (3.0).
The Cougars rank 46th in assists allowed per game (10.9) while the Tigers rank 75th (11.6).
Houston ranks 183rd in three pointers attempted per game (20.9) while Memphis ranks 190th in three pointers allowed per game (22.6).
The Tigers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 7.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 69.2 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.6 points per game (1.3 above their season average).