The set-up: Will Oregon State's Cindarella run come to an end here? Maybe not. But for this play, I'm not concentrating on which team will win and cover the entire game, I believe this one sets up well for Houston in the first half of this contest. Oregon State stymied Loyola Chicago last time out in the first half, but Houston is an entirely different animal, that plays an entirely difference pace and approach.

The pick: This is a bad matchup for the Beavers, who have been on an amazing run up to this point. If this was a "normal" season, Oregon State wouldn't even be in the NCAA Tournament. "Timing" and chemistry is obviously a big and real thing in sports wagering. I think the general CBB betting public has fallen in love with the Beavers, but all signs point to the Cougars coming out firing right out of the gate here as they look to "flip the script" on Oregon State and put the pressure on the Beavers from the "get go." I'm laying the points in the first half.

This is an 8* FIRST HALF DESTRUCTION on Houston.