Houston Cougars vs. Kentucky Wildcats 3/29/19, Prediction & Odds

Cougars vs. Wildcats Prediction

The third-seeded Houston Cougars will attempt to continue their magical season in a tough matchup with the second-seeded Kentucky Wildcats tonight in the Sweet 16. Can Houston survive and advance as the small underdogs?

Game Snapshot

671 Houston Cougars vs. 672 Kentucky Wildcats

Friday, March 29, 2019

Sprint Center at 9:59PM ET

TV: TBS

Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our College Basketball Odds & Betting Page.

 

Public Betting Information

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Wildcats are a 2.5-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 133.5 points. As of Friday afternoon, 56 percent of public bets are being placed on Houston. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for up-to-date info.

Cougars ease past Buckeyes

Houston picked up a 74-59 victory over Ohio State Sunday night in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to improve to 33-3 on the season. The Cougars led by a 39-31 score at halftime and continued to pull away after the break. Houston shot 26-of-56 from the floor, 5-of-19 from 3-point range plus 17-of-25 at the free throw line. Corey Davis Jr. paced the Cougars with 21 points on 6-of-15 shooting including 3-of-9 from 3-point range plus 6-of-6 at the charity stripe. He also tallied six rebounds, three steals and two assists. Galen Robinson Jr. had 13 points, six steals, five assists and three boards. Fabian White Jr. accounted for 11 points, five caroms and two steals. Armoni Brooks added 10 points and six rebounds.'

Wildcats hold off Terriers

Kentucky recorded a 62-56 win over Wofford Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to improve to 29-6 on the season and advance to the Sweet 16. The Wildcats outscored the Terriers 34-30 in the second half to claim the win. Kentucky shot 21-of-52 from the field, 3-of-13 on 3-point tries plus 17-of-20 at the free throw line. Reid Travis led the Wildcats with 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting plus 4-of-4 at the free throw line. He also brought down 11 rebounds. Ashton Hagans added 12 points, five boards and four assists.

College Basketball Betting Trends

Houston

The Cougars are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games. Houston is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 neutral site games.

Kentucky

The Wildcats are 6-0 ATS in their last six non-conference games. Kentucky is 5-1-2 ATS in its last eight NCAA Tournament games.

Prediction:

I believe in this Cougars team as they have depth, are very strong on the defensive end and have improved on the offensive end as the season has progressed. Houston is playing with a ton of confidence and won't back down from a Kentucky squad that did not have an easy time with Wofford. It's been a storybook seaso for the Cougars and I think this one comes down to the final possession, allowing Houston to cover in a thriller.

 

NCAA DAILY PREDICTION: HOUSTON COUGARS +2.5