The SMU Mustangs (12-3, 2-1 AAC) visit Houston to take on the Cougars (12-4, 2-1 AAC) in a game that has the potential to be high-scoring. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
SMU Mustangs at Houston Cougars Betting Prediction
The Mustangs are hoping for a better outcome after their 71-68 loss to the East Carolina Pirates in their last game. East Carolina’s 0.527 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over SMU, who had a mark of 0.462. The Pirates’ mark was above their season average of 0.476, while the Mustangs’ was below their season average of 0.543. Isiaha Mike was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
The last time the Cougars took the court, they dropped a close one to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, 63-61. One of Tulsa’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 17-20 (85.0 percent), while the Cougars were 8-11 (72.7 percent). Caleb Mills had a solid performance for Houston, leading both teams in scoring with 22 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
After the Cougars won both contests against the Mustangs last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Houston won 90-79. Houston won the rebounding battle. The Cougars had 13 offensive rebounds and 35 total rebounds, while the Mustangs had five and 25, respectively.
It might turn into a shootout as two of the nation’s best offenses clash. Houston ranks 12th with 112.9 points per 100 possessions and SMU is eighth (114.0).
SMU Mustangs vs. Houston Cougars ATS Pick
Free Basketball Tip: ATS Winner – SMU, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Houston ranks 144th in three pointers allowed per game (21.9) while SMU ranks 260th (26.7).
The Mustangs rank 14th in assists per game (16.8) while the Cougars rank 118th (13.7).
Houston ranks 10th in steals allowed per game (4.7) while SMU ranks 111th (6.7).
The Cougars rank 15th in blocks per game (5.6) while the Mustangs rank 104th (3.3).
Houston averages 43.0 rebounds per game, which ranks third in the country. SMU ranks 40th in rebounds allowed per game (31.7).
The Mustangs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.4, down from 9.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 72.4 points per game (0.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.0 points per game (4.2 above their season average).
