Pedro Oliveira
In this preview of the tie between the University of Houston against the UAB, we bring you all the details so that you are aware of everything that happens with both teams. The Cougars are among the most brutal defenses in the entire country while the Blazers an offense more than capable of putting anyone in danger Who will be the winner and advance in the March Madness of the NCAA?
Picks and Predictions for the Houston Cougars vs UAB Blazers NCAA Basketball Championship Round 1 Game on March 18 2022
- Where: PPG Paints Arenar – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- When: Friday, March 18, 9:20 PM ET
- Betting Line: Houston Cougars (-8.5) vs UAB Blazers (+8.5)
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 29-5
- Conference Record: 29-5
- Spread: -8.5
- Over/Under: Under 136
- Moneyline: –400
Evidently the absence of Marcus Sasser is a blow to Houston’s aspirations, but the performances of Kyler Edwards (13.6 points, 6 rebounds, 3.2 assists) along with Fabian White Jr (13.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 1.5 blocks) and Josh Carlton (12 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.2 blocks) have kept the Cougars as the most dominant team in their conference by a good margin.
With five players averaging points in the dozens even with the absence of their top scorer, a suffocating defense that limits its opponents to 44% from the field, excellent in offensive rebounding and with one of the best ball movement dynamics, it seems too complex to see Houston lose the opportunity to advance to the second round.
UAB Blazers Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 27-7
- Conference Record: 27-7
- Spread: +8.5
- Over/Under: Over 136
- Moneyline: +300
UAB has an offense worthy of this tournament, and has shown it by coming to this match with victories to the thread. To his misfortune Houston is one of the teams that best limits all the offensive fields that the Blazers have to exploit their rivals. But it’s no reason to underestimate them, averaging 80.7 points each game (sixth-best mark in the NCAA) and dominating rebounds as well as any major team.
Jordan Walker has had an incredible season, averaging 20.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 33 games. A lot of what UAB can accomplish is based on this guy staying consistent offensively and limiting bad ball possessions from his team.
JefeBet Prediction
As much as the Blazers look like a tough opponent and the Cougars have major absences, Houston is simply one of the hardest teams to overcome at this point in the campaign. A upset would be a very well worked surprise by UAB. Houston wins the game 74-62.
