The South Florida Bulls (8-11, 1-5 AAC) will try to end their six-game road losing streak in a matchup against the No. 25 Houston Cougars (15-4, 5-1 AAC) at Fertitta Center. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 26, 2020.
South Florida Bulls at Houston Cougars Free Prediction
In the Bulls’ last matchup, they were defeated by the Wichita State Shockers, 56-43. Wichita State won the rebounding battle. The Shockers had more offensive rebounds (10 vs. five), defensive rebounds (26 vs. 24) and total rebounds (36 vs. 29). David Collins was the game’s leading scorer with 14 points on 3-for-8 shooting.
The Cougars defeated the UConn Huskies in their last game, 63-59. The Cougars knocked down 25 of their 34 free throws (73.5 percent) and held the Huskies to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.5 (below their season average of 33.6). With 18 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, Houston’s DeJon Jarreau put together a good performance.
After the Cougars won both games against the Bulls last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Houston won 71-59. Houston had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.547 vs. 0.396). South Florida, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.438 vs. 0.245).
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams battle. Houston currently ranks 289th in possessions per game (67.3) and South Florida is 326th (66.1).
South Florida at Houston Pick
Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Houston ranks third in rebounds per game (42.8) while South Florida ranks 233rd (33.2).
The Bulls rank 28th in steals per game (8.4) while the Cougars rank 203rd (5.0).
Houston ranks 14th in blocks per game (5.6) while South Florida ranks 172nd (2.3).
The Cougars rank 121st in assists per game (13.4) while the Bulls rank 245th (10.1).
The Bulls have been outscored by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. On the season, South Florida has defeated opponents by an average of 0.8 points.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (3.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.4 points per game (1.1 above their season average).
