It’s been a while since the last time the Houston Cougars (+2800 to win the tournament) have reached the Sweet 16 round. In fact, it took them 35 years to get back in it again after a successful second round. Indeed, it’s a good time to be a Cougars fan. But will the good times keep on rolling for them, as they take on perennial title contenders Kentucky Wildcats, who are priced at +1200 to win it all?
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Betting Preview for the Houston Cougars vs. Kentucky Wildcats College Basketball Game on March 29, 2019
Where: Sprint Center, Kansas City
When: Friday, March 29, 2019, 9:59 PM ET
Line: Houston Cougars (+2.5) vs. Kentucky Wildcats (-2.5) – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Houston Cougars (33-2 Overall / 16-2 Conference)
Corey Davis spearheaded Houston in the second round, dropping 21 points to go with six rebounds in the Cougars’ 74-59 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday. It wasn’t just Davis, who clicked, though, as three other Houston players scored in double-digits, including Galen Robinson Jr., who had 13 on an efficient 6-for-9 shooting from the floor. The Cougars confused and overpowered Ohio State, which had trouble containing Houston, which played with poise. The Buckeyes hit seven of their 10 attempts from deep, but Houston stayed with its game plan and waited for Ohio State to cool off before issuing a big fightback. Houston’s strength in rebounding could spell trouble for Kentucky, which is likely to miss PJ Washington again. The Cougars finished the regular season fourth in the nation with 41.4 rebounds per game. They were also sixth on defense with just 61.0 points allowed per contest.
The Cougars are 2-0 against the spread (ATS) in the tournament thus far, and are 23-12-1 ATS on the season, covering 65.7% of the time.
Betting on the Kentucky Wildcats (29-6 Overall / 15-3 Conference)
The big question for Kentucky heading into the Sweet 16 is the availability of PJ Washington. The sophomore forward has yet to play in this year’s NCAA Tournament due to a foot injury. He was still in a cast and watched from the sidelines during Kentucky’s second-round, 62-56 win over the Wofford Terriers. Still, the Wildcats pulled off the win, thanks in large part to their stellar defense that took the power out of the Terriers’ offense. Wofford, known for its ability hit the long ball, shot just 37.5 percent from the floor and went 8-for-27 from deep. Reid Travis stabilized Kentucky with his performance, notching a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, while guard Ashton Hagans had 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Kentucky was awful as a team on offense against Wofford, shooting just 40.4 percent from the field. The Wildcats will have to do better than that or keep Houston’s offense grounded. Their length and athleticism will be key factors against the Cougars.
The under is 8-2 in Kentucky’s last 10 games. The Wildcats are 19-16 ATS overall on the season.
Writer’s Prediction
Kentucky wins, 67-64.
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