The No. 25 Houston Cougars (18-5, 8-2 AAC) welcome the Wichita State Shockers (17-5, 5-4 AAC) in a matchup that pits great offense against stifling defense. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 9, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Wichita State Shockers vs. Houston Cougars ATS Prediction
The last time the Shockers played, they were topped by the Cincinnati Bearcats, 80-79. Cincinnati’s 0.255 free throw rate was their largest strength over Wichita State, who had a mark of 0.074. The Bearcats’ mark was below their season average of 0.260, while the Shockers’ was below their season average of 0.258. Jaime Echenique was Wichita State’s high scorer with 19 points on 9-for-19 shooting.
The Cougars beat the Tulane Green Wave in their last matchup, 75-62. Houston’s 28.6 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Tulane, who had a mark of 19.4. The Cougars’ mark was below their season average of 38.7, while the Green Wave’s was below the 25.6 mark opponents have averaged against Houston this season. With 12 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, Houston’s Nate Hinton put together a good performance.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. DeJon Jarreau put up 12 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in the first matchup, in which the Cougars beat the Shockers 65-54. Houston did a fantastic job of making free throws (19-23; 82.6 percent). Wichita State, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (31.1 vs. 27.6).
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Houston currently ranks 40th in offensive efficiency and Wichita State ranks 15th in defensive efficiency.
Wichita State vs. Houston Odds Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Wichita State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Houston ranks 13th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Wichita State ranks 162nd (4.4).
The Cougars rank fourth in rebounds per game (42.0) while the Shockers rank 123rd in rebounds allowed per game (34.6).
Wichita State ranks 42nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.0) while Houston ranks 132nd (21.7).
The Shockers rank 13th in assists allowed per game (9.8) while the Cougars rank 95th (11.9).
Houston ranks 21st in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Wichita State ranks 85th (6.1).
The Shockers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.2, down from 9.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 67.4 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 58.6 points per game (2.2 below their season average).
