Alright, right here we go: For those who’re a fan of defensive basketball, strap in as a result of it gained’t get any higher.
The Houston Cougars final made it to the Elite 8 in 2022 and superior to the Remaining 4, most just lately in 2021.
As for Tennessee, They made it to this spherical final 12 months however have by no means superior past the Elite 8.
That is the third Elite 8 recreation to be performed. It would happen at 2:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 30.
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Tennessee (2) vs Houston (1) preview
No. 1 Houston had a tricky matchup within the Candy 16, taking up Purdue. They had been down 31-29 at halftime and got here again within the second half, outscoring them 33-29.
The sport was tied at 60 with only one tick on the clock to go within the recreation earlier than Houston’s Milos Uzan hit a layup to take the lead. B
raden Smith put up a 3-point shot on the buzzer however missed it. The Cougars had a 37.7% discipline aim share and went 9 of 23 (39.1%) from 3-point vary.
No. 2 Tennessee took on Kentucky, a workforce they’d final to twice earlier this season. Chaz Lanier, Zakai Zeigler, and Jordan Gainey mixed for 51 of their 78 factors.
The workforce shot 50.9% from the sector and simply 26.3% from 3-point vary. The Volunteers had a commanding 43-28 lead at halftime however did let a few of that go as they had been outscored 37-35 within the second half.
Tennessee vs Houston odds
Beneath are the percentages for this matchup, courtesy of Fanduel Sportsbook.
- Unfold: Tennessee (+3.5, -110); Houston (-3.5, -110).
- Moneyline: Tennessee (+138); Houston (-166).
- Whole: Over 123.5 (-110); Below 123.5 (-110)
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Tennessee vs Houston evaluation
As talked about, protection would be the point of interest on this recreation. Houston permits a median of 88.0 factors per 100 possessions (first), whereas Tennessee surrenders simply 89.3 factors per 100 possessions (third).
Sure, each of those groups are within the prime three in adjusted defensive effectivity.
Offensively, they’re additionally shut, however Houston, as soon as once more, has a slight edge. The Cougars common 123.4 factors per 100 possessions (twelfth), whereas Tennessee is at 121.1 factors per 100 possessions (seventeenth).
Not solely that, however these groups each play at a snail’s tempo, with Houston averaging 61.6 possessions per 40 minutes (360th) and Tennessee averaging simply 63.7 possessions per 40 minutes (349th).
Taking pictures-wise, Houston leads faculty basketball from 3-point vary at 39.8%. On the identical time, Tennessee holds groups to only 28.5% from 3-point vary (third).
That mentioned, Tennessee is the higher defensive rebounding unit, averaging 23.4 per outing to Houston’s 22.0. It might not look like a lot, however getting even a number of second-chance alternatives may very well be the distinction in a recreation like this.
Tennessee vs Houston decide
For this one, I’m going with Houston. I respect Tennessee’s protection, however Houston’s is technically a bit higher within the superior analytics. Houston additionally shoots the 3-point shot extraordinarily nicely, capturing 40.3% from there over their final three video games.
Sure, Tennessee has been wonderful in opposition to all of it season, however within the match, they’re permitting groups to shoot 37.5% from there, a 9% improve from their season-long statistic.
Take Houston right here. I anticipate an enormous recreation from Houston guard LJ Cryer, who shoots 42.4% from 3-point land and averages 7.1 makes an attempt per recreation.
🏀 Again Houston -3.5 (-110) at FanDuel 🏀
Tennessee vs Houston recreation Information
- Who: Tennessee vs Houston
- Date: Sunday, March 30
- Time: 2:20 p.m. ET
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN
- The place to observe: CBS
Concerning the creator
Richard Janvrin
Richard Janvrin brings practically a decade of expertise masking sports activities, sports activities betting, and the whole lot iGaming. Richard acquired his bachelor’s diploma in Journalism/English from the College of New Hampshire. All through his profession, Richard has written for websites like Bleacher Report, Forbes, The Sport Day, WSN, Playing.com, and lots of extra.
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