We've really liked this Houston squad all year, but if the Cougars are going to reach the Final Four they'll have to earn it going through a challenging path. Houston has looked strong thus far in the NCAA tournament getting past the likes of Georgia State and Ohio State.

What a year it has been for the Houston Cougars. They're in their first Sweet 16 in 35 years, and they're not done yet. Houston is 9-2 ATS on the road this year, showing how good it is away from home. In their past nine games as underdogs, the Cougars have covered in eight of them. Their defense is so sound and leads the country in field goal percentage (36%).


Houston has actually been about 4 points better than Kentucky this season on a game to game average and a lot of that is credited to the Houston defense as well as their slightly easier slate in the AAC. Houston should dominate defensively and take this one outright.