These are the top two defenses in the Big-12. Both programs do an excellent job in protecting the rim and denying the paint, forcing the game into the half-court. Houston doesn’t get to the free-throw line often, relying on the three but aren’t efficient, and haven't attacked the rim as much settling for mid-range shots. The Cougars offense can go stagnant at times and Iowa State’s defense is just as good, holding their opponents to less than 61 points per game. Quick turnaround for the Cyclones exerting a lot of energy in their win over Kansas too. Points should come at a premium tonight as four of the last five meetings have also gone under the total.

ISU's scoring balance is necessary to succeed tonight because Kevin Sampson's Cougars continue to play some of the stingiest defense in the country, as their 61.3 ppg allowed ranks second nationally, while also allowing just 39.3% from the floor (ranks 13th). To beat the Cougars, foes must spread the floor and to hit from the perimeter, and ISU does both, its 50.6% FG accuracy rankling 13th and 39.8% triples ranking 8th, with Milan Momcilovic nailing a nation's-best 51.6% of his triples, while ex-Saint Mary's PF Joshua Jefferson (16.7 ppg) will force UH to pay attention to the paint. Few teams are built to attack the Sampson defense as are the Cyclones, while playing at home is an extra bonus. Play Iowa State

Iowa State will have Hilton Coliseum at its back, but this is a quick turnaround from the Kansas win while Houston did not face the same intensity against Kansas State. Kelvin Sampson should still have plenty to coach up after an offensive showing that wasn’t exactly crisp or up to standard, and from a matchup perspective the Coogs have better guard play than Kansas to deal with the Cyclones defensive pressure. The full game could come down to the officials and free throws since Houston fouls a lot but Iowa State’s the worst free throw shooting team in the Big 12, so I’ll eliminate some of those late-game variables and ride with the Coogs to throw a vicious first punch in this heavyweight bout.

My number on this game is 142, so I’m well over the market at 134.5. Both teams pressure defensively, but that can backfire in transition, and those easy run-outs spike efficiency quickly, plus Houston’s elite free throw shooting usually travels which is huge for late-game scoring. When I factor in possession efficiency and foul equity in a projected tight game, this total just grades out several points too low.

Houston (23-2) rides in on a six-game winning streak. The Cougars are visiting Ames, Iowa, where they will be underdogs for the first time this season against Iowa State (22-3). Houston has returned to its traditional format of controlling games with defense, staying Under the total in its last five games. Houston is now No. 2 nationally, allowing 61.3 points a game. Iowa State averages 84.2 points and shoots 50.6 percent from the field, and the Cyclones come off a beatdown of Kansas after losing at TCU. Iowa State has stayed Under the total in its last three games. This total is only 134.5, which is built on both teams' defensive trends. While the Cyclones are 14-0 at home, I bet on the Houston defense.