Houston Cougars (27-3) vs Oregon State Beavers (20-12)
Game Info: Monday, March 29, 2021 at 7:15 pm (Lucas Oil Stadium)
Betting Odds: Houston Cougars -8.5 -- Over/Under: 131 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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Oregon State faces Houston on Monday, March 29th at Lucas Oil Stadium for an NCAA basketball March Madness Elite 8 matchup.
Oregon State fought to keep the dream alive on Saturday, beating a fellow Cinderella team in Loyola Chicago. Oregon State beat Loyola Chicago by the final score of 65-58 to punch its ticket to the Elite 8 for the first time in over 50 years (1982 season vacated). Oregon State has now run the table in the PAC-12 conference and the first three games in the NCAA Tournament beating Tennessee, Oklahoma State, and Loyola Chicago along the way. Oregon State's leading scorer this season has been G Ethan Thompson, who has scored 15.8 points per game for the Beavers. Oregon State as a team has scored 70.8 points per game and has shot the ball at a 43.5% clip from the field. Oregon State has also allowed 61.3 points per game to its opponents as well.
Houston was able to beat the famous Boeheim 2-3 zone on Saturday night in the Cougars' win over Syracuse. Houston beat Syracuse by the final score of 62-46, as its top-tier defense reigned supreme in the Sweet 16. Houston is now dancing to the Elite 8 for the first time since the 20th century as well. Houston has beaten Cleveland State, Rutgers, and Syracuse to reach this game against another Power 5 opponent. Houston's leading scorer this season has been G Quentin Grimes, who has scored 18.0 points per game for the Cougars. Houston as a team has scored 76.9 points per game and has shot the ball at a 44.1% clip from the field. Houston has also allowed 54.0 points per game to its opponents as well.
Houston opens as an 8.5-point favorite and the total is set at 131. I think Houston will win this game, but I am not willing to lay 8.5 points. I think the strongest play is on the under here, as both team's defenses shined in the Sweet 16 and I would not be surprised to see more of the same in the Elite 8.
Ron’s Pick Under 131
AUTHOR: Ron Romanelli
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