Cleveland State vs. Houston Bracket Prediction: March Madness Odds
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Nik Kowalski
They’ve never lost an opening round game in the tournament. Back in 1986, the Vikings danced to the Sweet 16 as a 14-seed and in 2009 the won as a 13-seed. They’ll get a chance to go for another large upset on opening day, this time as a 15-seed against the two-seed Houston Cougars.
Tip-off is 7:15 p.m. EST in Indianapolis.
Cleveland State vs. Houston NCAA Tournament Point Spread and Betting
The difference between a two-seed like Houston and a 15-seed like Cleveland State lies on defence. The Cougars (24-3) only surrendered 57.9 points a night, winning by an average of 20. The Vikings (19-7) meanwhile gave 70.6 right back.
Houston enters Friday’s match covering in 13 of their last 17 showings on winners of seven straight, including their first American Athletic Conference title since 2010. Cleveland State’s 8-3 ATS over their last 11 while winning nine of those games en route to a Horizon League title.
In typical David vs. Goliath fashion, Houston enters as a 20-point favourite with the total at 135.
(15) Cleveland St. Vikings
What started as an 0-3 season has become a remarkable run for Dennis Gates’ club, losing twice since the last week of January. The Vikings get the most production from guard Torrey Patton, who at 6’5 195 lbs. knocked down 14.9 points and snagged eight rebounds a game.
Reigning Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year Tre Gomillion and D’Moi Hodge round out their other double-digit averaging scorers this season, both at 10.5 a game. The Vikings ranked 258th in the nation this year from three, and Houston finished seventh defending the long ball. If the Cinderella is to happen, Cleveland State has to win on offence.
(2) Houston Cougars
Over the Cougars seven-game win streak dating back to February 21, they’ve allowed 65 points just once. Saying opponents struggle to score on Houston is an understatement, as they ranked second in the nation. They dominate the paint too, holding a top-10 rebound margin at +9 per game.
The Cougars aren’t the flashiest team, but they’re fundamentals are top notch. Junior guard Quentin Grimes is the horse up front, scoring 18 a game while connecting on over 40 per cent of his three-point attempts. Guards Marcus Sasser and DeJon Jarreau both averaged double-digit points this season too, while forward Justin Gorham collected nine boards a game.
CLEVST
HOU