The Houston Cougars (22-3, 9-3 Big 12) host the Iowa State Cyclones (20-5, 9-3) as the number three team in the nation. Although the home team is on a three-game win, their last loss was against Kansas at home. Otherwise, they would be on a nine-game winning streak. Furthermore, they have one of the best defenses in the nation.
Moreover, the away team is on a four-game streak of their own. Their last loss came at Baylor by only two points. But that is not what is most impressive. At home, they beat today’s home team in convincing fashion. Early January saw them as four-point victors.
Do you see the same team coming on top again today?
Houston Cougars vs Iowa State Cyclones Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Houston Cougars | -9 -112 |
O 132 -108 |
-455 |
| Iowa Cyclones | +9 -108 |
U 132 -112 |
+350 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Iowa Cyclones @ Houston Cougars
Date And Time: February 19, 2024 @ 9:00 p.m. EST
Location: Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas
Key Stats
Houston Cougars (Averages)
Points: 73.9
Points Allowed: 55.0
Field Goal Efficiency: 26.9/62.0 for 43.4%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 7.6/21.8 for 34.6%
Free Throw Efficiency: 12.5/18.5 for 67.7%
Rebounds: 14.8 Offensive, 25.0 Defensive, 39.8 Combined
Assists: 13.0
Steals: 10.0
Blocks: 5.0
Turnovers: 8.7
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 18.2/48.9 for 37.2%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 5.9/20.5 for 28.8%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 12.7/19.7 for 64.5%
Rebounds Against: 9.8 Offensive, 23.0 Defensive, 32.7 Combined
Houston Cougars remain one of the top contending teams in the nation. Although they lost to Kansas on the road, most do. However, they are coming off a win against a fighting Texas Longhorns side. Additionally, they allow a nation-low 55.0 points per game. Even in games where they can’t get their offense going, they usually manage to stay within reach due to that end of the court.
Jamal Shead is a leader on this Houston Cougars team. The senior averages 12.8 PPG as well as 5.8 assists per game. But he gets after you defensively. At a little over two steals per matchup, you can’t afford to be sloppy with the ball around him. Additionally, L.J. Cryer leads this team in scoring. The senior from Texas averages 15.3 points on the year. he is also coming off a 26-point performance against the aforementioned Texas Longhorns.
Iowa State Cyclones (Averages)
Points: 78.7
Points Allowed: 62.5
Field Goal Efficiency: 28.3/59.4 for 47.6%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 6.6/18.8 for 35.3%
Free Throw Efficiency: 15.5/22.4 for 69.4%
Rebounds: 11.3 Offensive, 23.2 Defensive, 34.5 Combined
Assists: 16.6
Steals: 10.7
Blocks: 3.0
Turnovers: 10.7
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 20.8/51.5 for 40.5%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 7.9/23.4 for 33.6%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 12.9/18.0 for 71.9%
Rebounds Against: 9.4 Offensive, 22.9 Defensive, 32.3 Combined
Although the Houston Cougars have the top defense, that might be ok. Iowa State only gives up 62.5 points per game. this makes them the seventh-best defense in the nation in terms of points. But they have a little more upside in terms of scoring. However, if they are going to be the Cougars a second time they will need to win the foul discrepancy battle again. Their last game saw the Cyclones go to the free-throw line 22 times, compared to Houston with twelve. This is crucial to monitor tonight.
Leading the way was Tamin Lipsey against the Houston Cougars. He contributed 14 points. Additionally, Milan Momcilovic pitched in 11 points. In what will likely be a low-scoring game, the two need to give at least that many points today again. Tre King needs to once again control the boards as he had nine rebounds in the last outing.
Game Prediction
Firstly, I see the Houston Cougars looking to make a statement tonight. They know they have to make up for their last meeting. Additionally, they dropped a critical road test in Kansas. While not a guarantee, a win against a top-six team tonight will help give them a one-seed come the March Madness Tournament. While both offenses will struggle throughout the game, I see Houston learning from their mistakes and making more critical second-half plays. Therefore, I am going with the Houston Cougars covering, but I am also staying away from the total. The point total is too low, and I see the over being under threat late in the game off largely inconsequential points.
Final Pick
Houston Cougars -9
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
