The Wichita State Shockers (15-13, 8-8 AAC) are set to take on the No. 1 Houston Cougars (27-2, 15-1) on Thursday at Fertitta Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Wichita State vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
The Shockers covered as 6-point road underdogs in Sunday’s 83-76 win against Tulane. Wichita State has secured a victory in 6 of its last 10 games.
The Cougars defeated Eastern Carolina 76-57 on Saturday while failing to cover as 20.5-point road favorites. Houston has won 9 games in a row and is firmly positioned for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Wichita State and Houston will be meeting for the 2nd time this season. The Shockers covered as 13-point home underdogs in the 70-61 loss and the Over connected in the 1st meeting on Feb. 2.
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Wichita 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 8:21 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Wichita State +925 (bet $100 to win $925) | Houston -1900 (bet $1,900 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Wichita State +17.5 (-105) | Houston -17.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 132.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Wichita State at Houston picks and predictions
Prediction
Houston 76, Wichita State 61
Moneyline
AVOID.
The Cougars are 15-2 at home and have had no issues blowing teams out this season, but taking them to win at the current odds (-1900) isn’t advised.
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Against the spread
WICHITA STATE +17.5 (-105) is the pick in this game at such a massive spread. The Shockers have played the Cougars close this season already and are a conference-best 9-0-1 ATS on the road.
Houston is also 1-4 ATS in its last 5 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Over/Under
OVER 132.5 (-105) is the lean despite Houston having a formidable defense. These teams combine for an average of 146.8 points per game and Wichita State’s defense is mediocre.
The Shockers have hit the Over in each of their last 7 road games and the Cougars are 4-1 to the Over in their last 5 games following an ATS loss.
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