Houston Cougars vs Texas A&m-corpus Christi Islanders Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

No. 15 Houston Aims to End Nonconference Play Strong Against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

No. 15 Houston is set to wrap up its nonconference schedule with a matchup against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Saturday. The Cougars are riding a three-game winning streak and are looking to build momentum before diving into Big 12 play.

Houston Finding Its Rhythm

Houston (7-3) is coming off a dominant 78-49 victory over Toledo on Wednesday. Five Cougars scored in double figures, led by reserve Terrance Arceneaux’s 16 points. The win was the latest in a string of convincing performances, including a 28-point rout of Butler and a 20-point win over Troy.

Whether you’re a fan or a bettor, Scores and Stats has something for everyone on the blog.

However, the Cougars’ season hasn’t been without challenges. They suffered two losses at the Players Era Tournament in Las Vegas, falling to then-No. 9 Alabama (85-80) and San Diego State (73-70). Their other defeat came against current No. 2 Auburn, in a game where they allowed 46 second-half points.

Despite the setbacks, coach Kelvin Sampson sees promise.

“We have a good team,” Sampson said. “But I’m glad we get to play again on Saturday instead of having to wait nine more days. We need to catch a rhythm. This team just needs games more than anything else.”

Standout Players

Houston’s strength lies in its backcourt duo of L.J. Cryer and Emmanuel Sharp. Cryer leads the team with 14.6 points per game, shooting 39.8 percent from the field. Sharp is right behind, averaging 14.4 points and contributing 3.3 rebounds per game.

Milos Uzan orchestrates the offense with a team-high five assists per game, while J’Wan Roberts anchors the interior with a team-best 6.7 rebounds per contest.

Corpus Christi Faces Tough Test

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (7-5) comes into the game after a dominant 117-63 win over Southwestern Adventist University, a non-Division I opponent. However, their record includes three wins against non-NCAA teams and a lone matchup against a Power Five opponent, a 90-73 loss to then-No. 14 Purdue in their season opener.

Forward Garry Clark has been the Islanders’ standout player, averaging 14.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. He has scored in double figures in all 12 games this season, including a season-high 19 points in Wednesday’s win.

However, Clark has had little scoring support, with Isaac Williams being the only other Islander close to double digits at 9.6 points per game.

Who’s Favored in College Hoops Tonight? Discover college basketball picks against the spread for today.

What to Expect

Houston’s depth and balanced scoring make them heavy favorites, especially on their home court. The Cougars have faced one of the toughest nonconference schedules in the country, and their losses have come against elite teams.

For Corpus Christi, the game offers an opportunity to measure itself against top-tier competition. The Islanders will rely heavily on Clark but will need a collective effort to keep pace with Houston’s offensive firepower and defensive intensity.

With Big 12 play starting soon, Houston aims to fine-tune its game and extend its winning streak to four. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, meanwhile, will look to make a statement against a ranked opponent, even as they remain significant underdogs.