The 10th ranked Rutgers take on the second-ranked Houston Cougars on Sunday, in the round of 32. This should be a great game, as both teams are hungry and motivated to make a deep run in the tournament. With that said, it's time to continue our NCAA odds series with a Rutgers-Houston prediction and pick.
Rutgers (16-11) entered the tournament as an underdog, however, they came in and shocked the Clemson Tigers in the first round. On the other hand, the Cougars (25-3) started the tournament as one of the best teams in the country, knocking off Cleveland State pretty easily. Rutgers will have to do everything they can to pull another upset, but the odds are not in their favor.
Here is how the sportsbooks have set the opening Rutgers-Houston odds:
NCAA Odds: Rutgers-Houston Odds
Rutgers Scarlet Knights +8 (+305)
Houston Cougars -8 (-375)
Over 132 (-110)
Under 132 (-110)
Why Rutgers Could Cover The Spread
This team will rely heavily on their star player, Ron Harper Jr. He's been able to average 15.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, which is rather impressive as a guard. Being 6-6, Harper uses his size to his advantage and provides an extra boost in rebounding for Rutgers. However, he won't be able to win this game by himself, so his teammates will have to step up.
The Scarlet Knights have a tough matchup ahead of them, however, they have the potential to cover the spread at the very least. They'll be looking to slow the game down a bit and prevent the high-scoring Cougars from running away from this one. Rebounding will be the key to this game. Utilizing big man Myles Johnson could be one way for Rutgers to compete in this matchup. If the Scarlet Knights can control the boards, they'll have as good a shot to cover the spread, or possibly even win the game.
Why Houston Could Cover The Spread
The Houston Cougars entered the tournament as the second seed for good reason. Quentin Grimes and DeJon Jarreau will look to pressure the Scarlet Knights' backcourt early and often. Grimes has been averaging an impressive 18 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, while Jarreau has averaged 10.6 points, 4.2 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game. The two have dominated the backcourt all year long, and aim to do so throughout the tournament.
Already having an advantage in the backcourt, the Cougars are more than capable of keeping up with Rutger's big man down low. Justin Gorham has been dominating the boards, averaging 8.8 rebounds per game. He'll be giving the Scarlet Knight's center, Myles Johnson, fits all game, as they battle it out in the paint. The Cougars' star power should be enough to secure a victory and cover the spread as well.
Final Rutgers Houston Prediction & Pick
The Houston Cougars are big favorites to win this game, as they just have too many weapons on the court for Rutgers to handle. Even if Ron Harper Jr. plays well, it will be tough for them to compete. For Rutgers to win, he'll need to have the best game of his career. Between Grimes and Jarreau, the Cougars will likely out-pace the Scarlet Knights throughout the game, and their rebounding will allow them to keep up with Rutger's as well. The game should be close, but the Cougars have everything they need to pull away in the latter portion of the game.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: HOU 70, RUT 63 (RUT +8)
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