In this article we will formulate a Houston vs BYU prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, March 14th at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
The Houston Cougars are 28-4 (19-1) this year after they defeated Colorado by a score of 77-68 in their last game. Houston led 38-33 at halftime and added 39 points in the second half to secure the win. The Cougars shot 49% from the field, 44.4% on three pointers, and 67.7% on free throws in the game. Emanuel Sharp led Houston with 19 points and five rebounds, while LJ Cryer added 14 points and three rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Cougars defeated Baylor by a score of 65-61 and Kansas by a score of 65-59. Houston has won 11 games in a row and they finished first in the Big 12 standings with a 19-1 record. Houston has scored 74.2 points per game and they have allowed 58.1 points against per game, while also averaging 36.3 rebounds and 12.5 assists per game this season. LJ Cryer is averaging 15.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, while Emanuel Sharp is averaging 11.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game this year. Houston is shooting 46% from the field, 73.8% on free throws, and 39.7% on three pointers this season.
BYU Cougars Betting Preview
The BYU Cougars are 24-8 (14-6) this season after they defeated Iowa State by a score of 96-92 in their last game. BYU trailed 53-49 at halftime, but they scored 47 points in the second half to pickup the impressive win. The Cougars shot 51.7% from the field, 50% on three pointers, and 85.7% on free throws in the game. Richie Saunders led BYU with 23 points and five assists, while Fousseyni Traore added 15 points and two rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Cougars defeated Utah by a score of 85-74 and Iowa State by a score of 88-85. BYU has won nine games in a row and they finished tied for third in the Big 12 standings with a 14-6 record. BYU has scored 81.4 points per game and they have allowed 70.3 points against per game, while also averaging 37.5 rebounds and 17.2 assists per game this year. Richie Saunders is averaging 16.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, while Egor Demin is averaging 10.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game this season. BYU is shooting 48.6% from the field, 69.1% on free throws, and 37.3% on three pointers this year.
Why Houston will beat BYU
- Houston has won each of its last 16 night games.
- BYU has lost each of its last six games against Top 5 AP-ranked opponents.
- Houston has won the first half in 16 of its last 18 night games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of BYU’s last 10 Conference Tournament games have produced a total of 136+ points.
- Four of Houston’s last five games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 143+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Houston ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game this season (58.1).
- Houston ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent field goals made per game this season (19.4).
- BYU ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for effective field goal percentage this season (57.5%).
- BYU ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goals made per game this season (10.6).
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Houston vs BYU Prediction
Houston rolls into this matchup with just one loss in Big 12 play this year and they have won 11 games in a row. The Cougars have played very well on both ends of the court this year, but their defense has been elite, allowing just 58.1 points against per game. BYU has won nine games in a row and they are shooting nearly 49% from the field. The Cougars are not good defensively, but they have been very strong on offense, as they have scored at least 85 points in four of their last five games. Houston did beat BYU by a score of 86-55 in their first meeting and I like them to pull away in the second half here. I don’t think BYU will be able to get enough stops down the stretch, so give me Houston to cover.