The Houston Cougars and Utah Utes face off on Friday in a college basketball showdown TD Arena. 

Houston Pick Up a Big Win on Thursday

Houston picked up a solid win on Thursday, and the defense was again elite. Houston scored 65 points and the defense was even better giving up only 49 points. In the first half the defense gave up only 17 points to Towson. LJ Cryer had a strong game putting up 18 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Houston overall this season averaging 77.5 points while their defense is giving up 44.5 points per game. The offense is ranked 169th in the league while the defense is ranked 1st. LJ Cryer is averaging 15 points while shooting 39 percent from the field. 

Utah Looks for Fourth Win of the Season

Utah comes into this game with a 3-0 record and on Thursday the offense was again good against Wake Forest. Utah put up 77 points and they ended up beating Wake Forest by seven points. Branden Carlson had a strong game putting up 31 points, four rebounds, and one assist. Utah on the season is averaging 86.7 points while their defense is giving up 63 points per game. The offense is ranked 58th in the league while the defense is ranked 69th. Cole Bajema is averaging 15 points while shooting 58.8 percent from the field and 54.5 percent from behind the three point line.

Shane’s Free Pick

This is going to come down to the Houston defense against the Utah offense and whichever side finds more success will win this game. Houston prides itself on defense and I expect Utah is going to really struggle to get the offense going here. Utah is going to struggle to get to 60 points and that is going to be the difference as Houston is going to get the job done. Back Houston against the spread.