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The Houston Cougars (2-1) welcome the Hofstra Price (4-1) to the Fertitta Center Friday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Hofstra vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.
Houston is No. 8 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll. The Cougars beat the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 91-45 on Nov. 13 in their last outing, covering as a 31.5-point favorite. Of their 3 games, only 1 was against a Power 4 opponent, a 74-69 neutral-court loss to the No. 3 Auburn Tigers on Nov. 9. Houston is 2-1 against the spread (ATS).
Hofstra started off its season strong, winning its first 4 games which included a neutral-court win over the Seton Hall Pirates on Nov. 13. It lost in its last game Tuesday, 79-61 against the Florida State Seminoles 79-61 and failing to cover as a 9-point road underdog. The Price are 3-1 ATS and 1-1 ATS in true road games.
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Hofstra at Houston odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds Lines last updated at 6:41 a.m. ET,
- Moneyline (ML): Off the board
- Against the spread (ATS): Hofstra +27.5 (-110) | Houston -27.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 131.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
- Hofstra +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)
- Houston -30000 (bet $30,000 to win $100)
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Hofstra at Houston picks and predictions
Prediction
Houston 86, Hofstra 56
Moneyline
PASS.
There’s no reason to consider a moneyline play. The Cougars have absolutely dominated weaker opponents, but are far too expensive to consider.
Against the spread
BET HOUSTON -27.5 (-110).
The Cougars have destroyed teams when they have been a sizable favorite. They are 2-0 ATS, beating Louisiana by 46 points (-31.5) and the Jackson State Tigers by 57 (-36). They are 2-0 ATS at home as well.
Hofstra is 1-1 ATS on the road, and it has allowed 71 points or more in 2 straight games to opponents weaker than Houston. In games against teams in top conferences, it is averaging 55 points per game. That won’t cut it against the Cougars.
Back HOUSTON -27.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET OVER 131.5 (-115).
Hofstra is 2-2 O/U and has a competent offense as well, having scored at least 75 points 3 times in 5 games. The Pride’s top 2 weapons both are shooting at least 43% from the field, so if they can cut down on their turnovers, they can at least get shots up.
The Cougars are 2-1 O/U and have scored 90-plus points in each game it is a favorite of more than 20. This is also the lowest total they have had this season. Considering those trends, back OVER 131.5 (-115).
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