Quentin Grimes vs Davion Mitchell a key storyline for Houston against Baylor

5. Houston’s rebounding ability will keep them in this game

If there is any team in the country that likes to go “small”, that would be the Houston Cougars. Even after losing preseason AAC Player of the Year Caleb Mills, they still have plenty of good guards that can cause problems. Grimes, Jarreau, and Sasser are capable of matching up with Baylor’s perimeter, while Tramon Mark is a 6’5 guard that provides nearly double figures off the bench.

But even though they don’t provide too much offense during the game, don’t underestimate Houston’s forwards. Gorham gives them just under nine rebounds a game, while Fabian White Jr. is close to health after suffering a big preseason injury. And both Chaney and Gresham are solid individual defenders and rebounders.

Despite not having great size, Houston actually is a top-10 rebounding team in the country, grabbing nearly 41 rpg and getting 14.4 offensive boards, good for No. 3 nationally. They’re also quality defensive rebounders as well and don’t give up many second-chance opportunities.

Baylor is a solid rebounding team overall but they can give up some second chances, especially when Vital is at the center spot. So the Bears’ “death lineup” could actually help Houston at what they do best as well.

And if the Cougars can get plenty of offensive rebounds and hit some three-pointers as a result, this game could get real interesting, which is why it’s far from a sure thing that Baylor will reach the title game.