The Norfolk State Spartans (5-2) and the No. 1 Houston Cougars (6-0) meet Tuesday at Fertitta Center in Houston. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Norfolk State vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
The Spartans of Norfolk State from the MEAC are battled tested and won’t be fazed by a trip to face the newly-minted No. 1 team in the nation. This is a team that has traveled to Baylor and to UCLA already and scored a nice road win at Monmouth.
The Cougars squeaked by Kent State 49-44 over the weekend despite shooting just 32.0% (16 of 50), including a dismal 11.8% (2 of 17) from downtown. Houston also turned the ball over 23 times, although it outrebounded Kent State 56-33. Houston had opened 5-0 ATS in its first 5 outings before failing to as 19-point favorites against the Golden Flashes Saturday.
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Norfolk State at Houston odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:37 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Off the board
- Against the spread (ATS): Norfolk State +24.5 (-108) | Houston -24.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 125.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Norfolk State at Houston picks and predictions
Prediction
Houston 76, Norfolk State 49
Moneyline
There was no moneyline at the time of publishing, but it wouldn’t be worth pursuing even if one is released before tip-off.
Against the spread
HOUSTON -24.5 (-112) is the new No. 1 team in the nation, and it will handle itself much better than last time out against Kent State.
It actually showed a lot of grit and determination in the win against the Golden Flashes despite shooting poorly and turning the ball over frequently. It won’t face nearly as much resistance from the MEAC’s Spartans, who rank 273rd in the nation in 3-pointer defense at just 35.8%. Norfolk State is also allowing 67.7 PPG.
Over/Under
UNDER 125.5 (-110) is the lean, although play it lightly.
Houston has the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation during the early going, yielding just 47.3 PPG. It is also the top team in terms of defensive field-goal percentage at 29.1%, while ranking No. 2 with just 20.0% allowed from behind the 3-point line. The Under is 5-1 to start the season for Houston. Norfolk State won’t be able to generate much in the way of offense and should not get out of the 40s.
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