The Houston Cougars have shown their quality in some favorable matchups, but the Baylor Bears are in a different class to whom they’ve faced to this point.
Picks:
Baylor def. Houston ()
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How to Watch Houston Cougars vs Baylor Bears
| Houston vs Baylor Information |
| What |
Houston vs Baylor |
| Where |
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana |
| When |
5:14 PM EST, April 3rd, 2021 |
| How to Watch |
CBS |
Head-to-Head: Houston Cougars vs Baylor Bears
| Houston |
Head-to-Head |
Baylor |
| Kelvin Sampson |
Head Coach |
Scott Drew |
| 28-3 (14-3, 2nd in AAC) |
Standing |
26-2 (13-1, 1st in Big 12) |
| W-W-W-W |
Form |
W-W-W-W |
| 115.6 (5th of 347) |
Off Rtg |
118.2 (2nd of 347) |
| 86.9 (2nd of 347) |
Def Rtg |
93.4 (25th of 347) |
|
Leaders (Per Game)
|
| Q. Grimes (18.0) |
PPG |
J. Butler (16.5) |
| J. Gorham (8.7) |
RPG |
M. Vital (6.7) |
| D. Jarreau (4.4) |
APG |
D. Mitchell (5.3) |
| Q. Grimes, M. Sasser (1.4) |
SPG |
J. Butler, D. Mitchell (2.0) |
| B. Gresham (1.5) |
BPG |
M. Vital (0.9) |
| R. Chaney (.654)/Q. Grimes (5.8) |
FG%/FGM |
Flo Thamba (.576)/M. Teague (5.9) |
| Q. Grimes (.413)/Q. Grimes (3.4) |
3P%/3PM |
J. Turner (.625)/J. Butler (2.5) |
Why Might the Houston Cougars Win?
The Houston Cougars find themselves in the Final Four for the first time since the 1980s. They may not be the most appealing team in college basketball, but they’ve found their way with a ruthless attitude and unmatched effort.
The Cougars aren’t winning with a pretty offensive effort, but their grittiness is seen through their rebounding numbers. They’ve averaged 34.5 rebounds per game to their opponents’ 24.0 rebounds per game through the NCAA Tournament. Their 14.5 offensive rebounds, 7.5 steals, and 4.5 blocks per game represent their effort well.
Getting on the glass and making this a gritty effort is how the Cougar’s can find themselves in the National Final. Their opponents are quick and versatile offensively, but Houston has shown how effectively they can control a game through their efforts.
Editor’s Picks
Why Might the Baylor Bears Win?
Shooting, shooting, and more shooting. The Bears are one of the best teams from distance in the country. Baylor can also defend the ball pretty well, another facet of their versatility.
Baylor’s efficient offense is something to marvel at, as head coach Scott Drew has instilled an efficient system around ball movement and shooting. The Bears’ 14.3 to 6.8 assist-to-turnover rate is solid, showing their willingness to take care of the ball.
On the offensive side of the ball, Baylor looks like they’ll outpace the Cougars. Baylor may have issues on the defensive boards, but their ability to generate extra possessions through force turnovers – 16.8 per game by their opponents – is as good as you can ask for.
Cougars Key Player: (G) Quentin Grimes
There is no better time to stand out than in the Final Four. Cougars guard Quentin Grimes has been an offensive force all season long, but his efficiency has dipped through the last two rounds.
In his matches against Syracuse and Oregon State, Grimes has shot a combined 10 of 30 from the field and eight of 22 from three. He doesn’t get to the free-throw line very often, so efficiency needs to be on his mind against the Bears.
Grimes must be careful, as Baylor has a very capable perimeter defence. He has six turnovers through two games, a trend that is worrying if the Cougar’s want to upset a number one seed.
Bears Key Player: (G) MaCio Teague
Baylor senior MaCio Teague is an offensive sparkplug. After two disappointing games in the Second Round and Sweet Sixteen, Teague bounced back with an impressive performance against Arkansas.
In his last game, Teague contributed 22 points, five rebounds, and two blocks on eight of 18 shooting. He could improve on his finishing, but his three three-pointers were certainly welcome.
Against a tough Houston Cougars team, Teague won’t be getting many easy looks. Not known as a distributor, Teague will need to make crucial decisions on the perimeter.
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