Miami vs Houston bets illustrates why the Friday slate of March Madness games ups the ante. Now, Miami has had its issues, but Houston has been among the best teams in the country all season. Now, the Cougars deliver consistency and depth that Miami may not. It is a big reason why Houston is a heavy favorite to advance to the Elite Eight. Let’s bring on the Sweet Sixteen.
Miami vs Houston Bets could be a head-scratcher on Friday night. With Houston and Kelvin Sampson, one knows what is coming, more or less. Miami (FL) lacks true depth, which means that starting five better be alive. Most pundits forgot that Indiana was even worse toward the end of the regular season into the conference tournaments. The Hurricanes took advantage and turned up the pace late. Indiana withered badly.
Now, part of Miami’s problem is how hot and cold the Hurricanes are from the field. Against Drake, they barely could make a shot. Then, Miami shoots almost 49% and makes nine three-point shots en route to an 85-69 victory. The one equalizer was Norchad Omier. Omier cleaned the glass to the tune of 17 rebounds (eight offensive). Indiana could not keep him off the boards. The power forward got into their heads early and often.
Indiana was one of the better rebounding teams this season, but not in Albany where they had no answer for Miami's Norchad Omier. #iubb https://t.co/6AgljyEKkd
— Jim Coyle (@jimcoyleISB) March 20, 2023
One team always goes on a run after stumbling into the NCAA tournament. So far, Miami has been that team led by Omier and Isaiah Wong. The inevitable question gets asked. How long can this continue? Could the Hurricanes find a way to get past one of the two consensuses best teams in the entire country? Jarace Walker and J’Wan Roberts make things intriguing against Omier and the Miami frontcourt.
Naturally, this five versus one-game creates a few questions. Can Wong cancel out Sasser? Will Houston’s forwards be intimidated by Omier and company? Bovada Vegas Online Sportsbook lays 7 points on Houston Friday night. Can a bettor lean on Houston and their experience? This game turns on two things – rebounding and guard play. Houston holds an edge overall, but covering is an entirely different story.
When looking over and under Friday night, Miami vs. Houston Bets is another head-scratcher. Houston, when healthy, is one of the few teams that can repel a bully. Is Marcus Sasser truly healthy enough for this game? That may not matter if Tramon Mark brings the heat again in this Sweet Sixteen matchup. With a 1-2 punch at the guard position, Houston kept piercing Auburn’s defense where rebounding mattered less.
It showed that the Cougars could score and up their offensive tempo as needed. Their versatility left the Tigers in shambles. Sasser stretched things out with his penetration and ability to stick three-pointers (5 for nine against Auburn). Miami knows it has to up the tempo. Now, we know Houston is a team that can adjust to a little heat getting brought their way.
The Houston Cougars could be sitting at home with their season and their dreams of a Final Four over.
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) March 20, 2023
A special performance by who the team calls their “best iso-player”, Tramon Mark prevented that from happening. @RealBuckets11 | @UHCougarMBK pic.twitter.com/5HI38k1JKJ
Coach Kelvin Sampson knows how special his depth truly is. Led by Tramon Mark, the Cougars have the ability to keep Miami from smothering the glass quite as much. However, this is one game where both teams excel at getting second and third opportunities. The battles in this game from an “isolation standpoint” figure to be yet a huge key in determining the pace and, ultimately, the over or the under.
Finally, unlike Houston, Miami knows they must up the tempo early and often. The difference between the Hurricanes and Cougars is that Miami must play a certain way to succeed. Any deviation from that diminishes their chances of winning greatly. Miami can suck Houston into a game full of elevated pace. March Madness Betting dictates Miami and Houston could easily break 140 on Friday night if the pace stays high.
Miami vs Houston bets ask what other game props and props are out there? The team over/unders for the first half look to be a method to attack. Houston is set rather low at 33.5 points (-120). Miami, for those wondering, comes in at 30.5 (-115) for this Friday night tilt. How about using a different wrinkle that is a bit risky? What if we believe Miami could come out and potentially lead at halftime?
Again, Miami’s pace and thrust could rough up Houston, especially early. Look at what the Hurricanes did to the Hoosiers as an excellent example. That style paid better dividends in the second half, but Miami put up 40 in the opening 20 minutes against Indiana. Now, this is not easy to do. Indiana dominated the Big 10 in rebounding margin this season. That did not happen over the weekend.
So, the problem develops as to how much to wager. Miami on the 3-way moneyline carries a +195 to lead at halftime on Friday. That doubles one’s bet if it connects.
Sweet Sixteen Picks comb into our Vegas online site news and picks to give bettors a boost. Also, this allows wagerers different ways to utilize their money. It lends to taking a shot at Miami leading at the half, with Houston winning but not covering. The payout there is +370 and could be worth another small-unit wager.
Online college basketball betting sites are ready for this weekend. The most important thing is to make sure your bets are too. Good luck!
Chris Wassel is a skilled scribe who possesses a fervor for both sports and entertainment. Boasting a journalism background and over two decades of experience, he has crafted pieces that encompass a diverse array of sports including hockey, basketball, football, and others. His writing is characterized by its lucidity and sharpness, and provides a unique viewpoint on entertainment and political matters. While Chris primarily focuses on sports writing, he also writes about a wide range of subjects.