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The Houston Cougars (27-2, 15-1 AAC) will be trying to continue a four-game home winning streak when taking on the Wichita State Shockers (15-13, 8-8 AAC) on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Fertitta Center. It airs at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN2.
The Cougars are currently heavy 16.5-point favorites against the Shockers. The point total for the game is 135.
Houston vs. Wichita State Odds
Point Spread for Houston vs. Wichita State
The spread for this matchup is set at 16.5 points, with sportsbooks listing Houston as the favorite.
Houston vs. Wichita State Moneyline
As for the moneyline, Houston has -2119 odds to pick up the win, while Wichita State is listed at +1075 to claim victory.
Over/Under
Finally, the total for the game is set at 135 points.
Game Time and How to Watch
- Game Day: Thursday, March 2, 2023
- Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: ESPN2
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Arena: Fertitta Center
Houston vs. Wichita State Betting Trends
Houston is 17-12-0 against the spread this year. The Cougars have come away with 22 wins in the 24 contests they have been listed as the favorites in this season. Houston’s games this year have eclipsed the over/under 13 times in 28 opportunities (46.4%).
Wichita State has played 28 games, with 13 wins, against the spread. The Shockers have compiled a 5-8 record in games they were listed as the moneyline underdog (winning 38.5% of those games). Wichita State’s games this season have gone over the point total 57.1% of the time (16 out of 28 games with a set point total).
Houston vs. Wichita State Key Players to Watch
Houston
Marcus Sasser puts up 17 points and 3.3 assists per game — both team highs. He is also putting up 2.8 rebounds, shooting 43.4% from the field and 38.2% from downtown with 2.7 made 3-pointers per contest. J’wan Roberts paces his team in rebounds per game (7.4), and also averages 10.9 points and 1 assists. At the other end, he puts up 0.7 steals and 1.2 blocked shots. Jarace Walker posts 11.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, shooting 47.9% from the field.
Jamal Shead leads his team in assists per contest (5.5), and also averages 9.2 points and 3.2 rebounds. At the other end, he posts 1.7 steals and 0.1 blocked shots.
Wichita State
Craig Porter Jr. leads the Shockers in rebounding (6.4 per game) and assists (4.6), and posts 12.9 points. He also averages 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocked shots. Jaykwon Walton paces the Shockers in scoring (14 points per game) and assists (1.9), and averages 5.3 rebounds. He also delivers 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocked shots. Kenny Pohto is putting up 8.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game, making 49% of his shots from the floor. The Shockers receive 10.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game from James Rojas.
What you need to know about the Houston Cougars
Houston has compiled an 8-8-0 ATS record in conference action so far this year. The Cougars have been lifted by their defense, as they rank best in college basketball by surrendering only 55.9 points per game. They rank 74th in college basketball in points scored (76.1 per contest). When it comes to rebounding, it’s been a dominant stretch for Houston, who is grabbing 36.4 rebounds per game (11th-best in college basketball) and allowing 26.8 boards per contest (11th-best).
The Cougars are scoring 76.9 points per game this season in home games, which is 0.4 more points than they’re averaging away from home (76.5). Houston is sinking 7.9 three-pointers per game (120th-ranked in college basketball). It sports a 35.1% shooting percentage (138th-ranked) from three-point land. With a 27.5% three-point percentage allowed this season, the Cougars are second-best in the country. They rank 73rd in college basketball by allowing 6.4 three-pointers per contest.
The Cougars have gone 9-1 over their last 10 games, with a 4-6 record against the spread during that span. Five of Houston’s last 10 contests have hit the over. Houston’s offense has been worse over its last 10 games, putting up 76 points a contest compared to the 76.1 it has averaged this season. The last 10 games have seen Houston give up five more points per game (60.9) than its season-long average (55.9).
What you need to know about the Wichita State Shockers
In Wichita State’s 16 chances this season in AAC play, the combined scoring has gone over the point total 13 times. Offensively the Shockers are the 202nd-ranked team in the nation (70.7 points per game). Defensively they are 131st (68.4 points conceded per game). With 33.6 rebounds per game and 31.9 rebounds allowed, Wichita State is 76th and 239th in college basketball, respectively.
At home the Shockers are scoring 72.4 points per game, 2.1 more than they are averaging on the road (70.3). Wichita State is 265th in the nation in 3-pointers made (6.6 per game) and 13th-worst in 3-point percentage (30%). The Shockers give up 8.2 3-pointers per game and concede 33.5% from beyond the arc, ranking 295th and 164th, respectively, in the country.
The Shockers have gone 6-4 in their last 10 contests, with a 6-4 record against the spread during that span. Wichita State has hit the over in nine of its last 10 outings. Wichita State has performed better offensively over its past 10 games, posting 79.1 points per contest, 8.4 more than its season average of 70.7. The Shockers are ceding 76.6 points per game over their last 10 games, which is 8.2 more points than they are allowing for the season (68.4).
Houston vs. Wichita State Prediction & Pick
Our pick to win this game is Houston, and we predict that Houston will cover the spread (Houston -16.5). Finally, we see the scoring in this one going over the posted total of 135 points.
How to bet Houston vs. Wichita State
You can bet on Houston vs. Wichita State at every legal online sportsbook. For more college basketball odds, including moneylines, spreads, over/under totals, check out the latest NCAA lines as well as our guide to the best college basketball betting sites.
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