Longwood vs Houston Picks and Prediction – 3/22/2024

In a classic David vs. Goliath scenario, the top-seeded Houston Cougars face off against the 16th-seeded Longwood Lancers in the NCAA Tournament’s South Region 1st round. The Cougars, with an impressive 30-4 record, come off a surprising loss to Iowa State, while the Lancers, standing at 21-13, look to continue their winning ways after dominating UNC Asheville. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Houston enters this matchup as the definitive powerhouse of the Big 12, boasting an overall record of 28-3. The offensive and defensive statistics speak volumes, with an average of 74.2 points per game and a leading national defense that only allows 56.9 points per game. Despite recent injuries to key players like Joseph Tugler and Ramon Walker Jr., the Cougars have depth. 

Leaders like LJ Cryer, averaging 15.3 points per game, and Jamal Shead, with 6.2 assists per game, underscore a team that excels both in scoring and in playmaking. The last 10 games show a strong finish to the season, overcoming top teams and demonstrating toughness even in rare defeats.

On the other side, the Longwood Lancers, positioned 5th in the Big South, present a balanced attack. They’ve shown capabilities, especially in recent games, by putting up significant points and showcasing a strong rebounding game led by Michael Christmas. 

Walyn Napper stands out as the team’s leader in points, assists, and steals, indicating his crucial role in any upset bid. The offense averages 75.3 points per game, slightly higher than Houston’s, but the defense allows more points on average, which could be a significant factor in this matchup.