Arizona vs. Houston Player Prop: Arizona's Fast Tempo Benefits Houston's Kyler Edwards
Arizona vs. Houston Player Prop: Arizona's Fast Tempo Benefits Houston's Kyler Edwards
Arizona and Houston are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to Tempo. Arizona ranked 2nd in Tempo among the 68 teams that qualified for the tournament while Houston ranked 64th. With Arizona playing a blazing-fast style of basketball and the Cougars playing at the 5th slowest pace of all of the NCAA's postseason participants, this game is sure to be faster than what Houston is accustomed to. And, Kyler Edwards certainly stands to benefit statistically from a fast-paced game.
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Kyler Edwards Over 5.5 Rebounds (-120) (Bet $120 to win $100)
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Kyler Edwards is enjoying the most productive season of his collegiate career in his first year as a Houston Cougar. The Texas native transferred in from Texas Tech for his senior year and has reaped the benefits. The 6'4" guard has made a strong case as Houston's best player for the majority of the 2021-22 season and is being trusted by Head Coach Kelvin Sampson in a gigantic way during the tournament.
Edwards has logged 37 and 38 minutes in Houston's two tournament wins. And, going back to February 1st, he's played 36.1 minutes per game down the stretch of the season. Sampson is clearly giving one of his top players a long leash, as there is very little Edwards can do to be taken off the floor. This correlates unbelievably well with increased rebounding totals, which we'll be attacking for Thursday night's contest.
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The All-AAC selection has logged 32+ minutes on 25 separate occasions this season. He's grabbed at least 6 rebounds in 18 of these 25 games, averaging 6.4 RPG. Edwards is averaging 6.75 rebounds per 38 minutes, which I have him penciled in for against the Wildcats. This line undoubtedly feels one rebound short, and Edwards will be leaned on heavily by the Cougars as they hope to reach the Final Four in back-to-back seasons.