The Lehigh Mountain Hawks and Houston Cougars meet Monday in the college basketball action at the Fertitta Center. Here’s a Houston vs Lehigh Prediction. This article will include a Houston vs Lehigh Pick.
Lehigh Mountain Hawks Betting Preview
The Lehigh Mountain Hawks won 11 games last season and enter year 18 under coach Brett Reed. Lehigh has won double-digit games in each of the last four seasons.
Nasir Whitlock returns after averaging 10.5 points and 2 assists, while Joshua Ingram averaged 7.2 points and 3.7 rebounds. Hank Alvey averaged 7.1 points and 0.9 assists, and Edouard Benoit played in 517 minutes last season. Lehigh says goodbye to its top-two scorers from last season, but the bulk of the depth is back. There are pieces to work with on this roster, and Whitlock is capable of another jump based on his first two seasons. Lehigh could be a factor in the Patriot this year, especially with a tough schedule to start, which will only make this group battle tested in a few months.
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
The Houston Cougars won 35 games last year and made the national title game. Kelvin Sampson enters his 12th season as head coach.
Emanuel Sharp returns after averaging 12.6 points and 0.8 assists, while Milos Uzan averaged 11.4 points and 3.1 rebounds. Joseph Tugler averaged 5.5 points and 0.9 assists, and Mercy Miller played in 187 minutes last season. Houston brings back two major players from last year’s squad, and added two 5-star recruits in Chris Cenac Jr. and Isiah Harwell. Sampson got so close to his first national title last season, and there’s no reason why this group can’t go on a redemption tour. Houston is as talented as any team in the country.
Why the Houston Cougars will win
- Houston has won each of its last 57 night games at Fertitta Center.
- Lehigh has lost each of its last 11 road night games against non-Conference opponents.
- Houston has won the first half in each of its last 43 night games at Fertitta Center.
Why the Lehigh Mountain Hawks will win
- Lehigh has won three of its last four games against non-Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Twelve of Houston’s last 13 night games against non-Conference opponents at Fertitta Center have produced a total of 136 or fewer points.
- Each of Lehigh’s last four games have produced a total of 147+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Houston ranked 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game last season (58.7).
- Houston ranked 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal percentage last season (38.3%).
- Lehigh ranked 36th among Division 1 teams for three-point percentage last season (37.0%).
- Lehigh ranked 39th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game last season (6.5).
Houston vs Lehigh Injury Report
Lehigh doesn’t have a player listed on its injury report. Jacob McFarland is out for Houston. Chase McCarty and Joseph Tugler are questionable.
Houston vs Lehigh Prediction
Houston obviously has the firepower to blow Lehigh off the court, but this is a thick number for a season opener. Also, Houston has some moving parts and young players they’re breaking into the mix. Lehigh is an experienced team for the most part with a decent returning core. Lehigh also gave Georgetown a scare last year while playing UCLA and Dayton. I doubt Lehigh is going to be intimated, even if at a major disadvantage talent wise. I’ll take a stab with Lehigh and the points.