Who's Playing

UAB @ Houston

Regular Season Records: UAB 26-7; Houston 30-5

What to Know

The UAB Blazers and the #15 Houston Cougars are set to clash at 9:20 p.m. ET March 18 at PPG Paints Arena in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Averaging 88 points per contest, the UAB squad has been an offensive juggernaut in the playoffs, so hopefully the Cougars' defense is prepared for a test.

UAB earned some more postseason success in their game on Saturday. They came out on top against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs by a score of 82-73. It was another big night for UAB's guard Jordan Walker, who had 27 points along with six boards.

Meanwhile, Houston strolled past the Memphis Tigers with points to spare on Sunday, taking the matchup 71-53. Houston can attribute much of their success to forward Fabian White Jr., who had 20 points, and forward Josh Carlton, who had 18 points. White Jr. had some trouble finding his footing against the Tulane Green Wave on Saturday, so this was a step in the right direction.

Two stats to keep an eye on: UAB enters the contest with 80.7 points per game on average, good for sixth best in college basketball. But the Cougars come into the matchup boasting the third fewest points allowed per game in college basketball at 58.9. We'll see which of these strengths -- offense or defense -- will win out.

How To Watch

  • When: Friday at 9:20 p.m. ET
  • Where: PPG Paints Arena -- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • TV: TNT
  • Follow: CBS Sports App

Odds

The Cougars are a big 8.5-point favorite against the Blazers, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as an 8.5-point spread, and stayed right there.

Over/Under: -110

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Series History

This is the first time these teams have played each other within the last seven years.

Injury Report for Houston

  • Ramon Walker Jr.: Game-Time Decision (Undisclosed)
  • Marcus Sasser: Out for the Season (Toe)
  • Tramon Mark: Out for the Season (Shoulder)
  • Kiyron Powell: Out for the Season (Not Injury Related)

Injury Report for UAB

  • Josh LeBlanc Sr.: Game-Time Decision (Knee)