Houston Cougars betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Toledo at Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Toledo at Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Toledo Rockets (6-4) visit the No. 12 Houston Cougars (6-3) Wednesday. Tip-off from Fertitta Center is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Toledo vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Toledo has dropped 3 of its last 4 games after falling 93-87 at Yale Saturday as a 1.5-point underdog. G Sam Lewis led all scorers with 21 points while the Rockets shot 46.7% from the field.

Houston has won back-to-back games after handling Troy 62-42 Tuesday, failing to cover as a 27-point home favorite. G L.J. Cryer scored a game-high 22 points while G Emanuel Sharp (14 points) was the only other Cougars player to score in double figures.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Toledo 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 10:35 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Off the board (OTB)
Against the spread (ATS): Toledo +29.5 (-115) | Houston -29.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Toledo at Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 78, Toledo 45

Moneyline

PASS.

The moneyline is OTB.

Against the spread

LEAN HOUSTON -29.5 (-105).

Don’t overbet this spread, but Houston is the team to back Wednesday. It has covered 3 straight games as a favorite of 28.5 or more points while holding opponents to 45 or fewer.

Toledo has scored 52 or fewer points in 2 of its last 4 games. It fell by 35 points to UC San Diego (80-45 Nov. 23) and 33 points to Oakland (85-52 Nov. 30), 2 teams that are not nearly as talented as Houston.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 142.5 (-115).

The Rockets have scored 52 or fewer points in 2 of their last 4 games.

Houston has scored 79 or fewer points in 4 straight games, and while it is expected to route the Rockets Wednesday, it will not score the necessary amount for the Over to hit.

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Troy at Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Troy at Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 13 Houston Cougars (5-3) welcome the Troy Trojans (5-3) to the Fertitta Center Tuesday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Troy vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Houston beat the Butler Bulldogs 79-51 Saturday, covering as a 17.5-point home favorite. They have traded off winning and losing over their last 5 games. Houston’s most prolific game was a 74-69 neutral-court loss to the No. 2 Auburn Tigers on Nov. 9, closing as a 5.5-point favorite. It is 4-4 against the spread (ATS).

Troy is coming off an 84-74 win over the Eastern Kentucky Colonels on Dec. 1, covering as an 8.5-point favorite. It has won 3 of its last 4 games, going 3-1 ATS. The Trojans’ most high-profile game came against the No. 12 Oregon Ducks, an 82-61 road loss on Nov. 17 as a 13-point underdog. They are 5-3 ATS.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Troy 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 5:41 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Troy +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000) | Houston -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Troy +25.5 (-105) | Houston -25.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 133.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Troy at Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 84, Troy 54

Moneyline

PASS.

Avoid this play. The Cougars are far too expensive to take, and the Trojans stand little chance of pulling off an upset on the road.

Against the spread

BET HOUSTON -25.5 (-115).

The Cougars have performed well for bettors when they are a massive favorite. They are 3-0 ATS as a favorite of 20-plus points and 4-0 ATS at home. Houston has held every opponent to 51 or fewer points at home.

The Trojans have played 4 road games and are 0-2 ATS in games against Power 4 opponents. They are also 0-2 ATS as an underdog. Considering those trends, back HOUSTON -25.5 (-115).

Over/Under

BET OVER 133.5 (-110).

Troy has found its groove offensively and has gone Over in 4 straight games. It has scored at least 84 points in 3 of those 4 games and has allowed 72 points in 3 straight outings. Three of its top 4 scoring options shoot 50% or better from the field.

The Cougars are 4-4 O/U this season and have traded off going Over and Under in 5 straight games, primed for an Over after going Under Saturday. Take OVER 133.5 (-110).

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Butler at Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Butler at Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Butler Bulldogs (7-1) face the No. 18 Houston Cougars (4-3) Saturday evening. Tip-off from Fertitta Center is set for 5:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Butler vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Butler notched their sixth straight win with a 73-58 victory over Eastern Illinois, though they failed to cover as 21-point home favorites. The Bulldogs overcame 17 turnovers by controlling the glass, out-rebounding the Panthers 41-27. Senior forwards Jahmyl Telfort and Patrick McCaffery powered the offense, each tallying 20 points in the win.

The Cougars have hit a tough patch, losing 2 of their last 3 games in overtime. On Nov. 30, they fell to San Diego State 73-70 as 13.5-point favorites, with the Over 127 cashing. The Aztecs’ defense was relentless, forcing 12 turnovers. G Emmanuel Sharp led Houston with 23 points, while G L.J. Cryer contributed 21, but their combined efforts couldn’t secure the win.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Butler 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 10:10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Butler +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,100) | Houston -2500 (bet $2,500 to win $100)
Against the spread: Butler +17.5 (-110) | Houston -17.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Butler at Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 73, Butler 60

Moneyline

Never bet on -2500 odds, even if it feels like a lock. Houston should pull out the win Saturday, but Butler will put up a fight. With the Bulldogs likely keeping it competitive, I’m going to AVOID the moneyline and bet the spread instead.

Against the spread

BET BUTLER +17.5 (-110).

Houston puts its 25-game home winning streak at Fertitta Center on the line against a tough Butler squad, and this could be just the test they need. Wins over Hofstra, Louisiana and Jacksonville State don’t exactly scream “statement games,” so a quality opponent like Butler will push the Cougars.

Houston has the advantage, scoring 3.3 more points and allowing 4.6 fewer per game. They’re well-coached and known for locking teams down on defense, so they should pull out the win. That said, Butler has been a strong cover team lately, going 5-1 ATS in their last 6, while Houston has failed to cover in its last 3.

Telfort, who has scored 20 or more points in his last 3 games while shooting 50 percent, leads a Bulldogs offense that ranks inside the top 80 in field goal, 3-point and free throw percentage. Expect a close game, with Houston getting the win, but Butler staying within the spread.

Over/Under

Betting the total in Cougars games is always a gamble. With Coach Kelvin Sampson at the helm, they’ve become a defensive powerhouse, giving up just 59.3 points per game—8th best in the nation. It’s tempting to hammer the Under, but Houston’s been 3-3 against the total in their last 6 games.

Butler brings a similar story. They’re also 3-3 against the total over their last 6 and play at a slow pace, ranking 241st in tempo compared to Houston’s 288th. Defensively, they’re solid, too, holding opponents to 63.9 points per game (30th nationally).

On paper, the Under makes sense in a matchup like this, but the inconsistency on both sides gives me pause. I’ll AVOID this bet altogether.

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San Diego State vs. Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s San Diego State vs. Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The San Diego State Aztecs (3-2) and the No. 7 Houston Cougars (4-2) meet in the Players Era Festival third-place game Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the San Diego State vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

San Diego State roughed up Creighton in the opener of the tourney, posting a 71-53 win as a 4.5-point underdog as the Under (140.5) cashed. The Aztecs were humbled 78-68 by Oregon Wednesday as a 3.5-point underdog as the Over (138) hit for the first time in 4 games this season.

Houston suffered a disappointing 85-80 loss in OT Tuesday in a top-10 battle in the tourney opener. The Cougars bounced back with a 65-54 win over Notre Dame, but UH didn’t come close to cover as a 17-point favorite as the Under (134.5) connected.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

San Diego State vs. 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 11:55 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): San Diego State +625 (bet $100 to win $625) | Houston -1000 (bet $1,000 to win $100)
Against the spread: San Diego State +12.5 (-110) | Houston -12.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 125.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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San Diego State vs. Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 65 San Diego State 57

Moneyline

Houston (-1000) will cost you 10 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk on a singular bet or as part of a multi-leg parlay.

PASS, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

Play SAN DIEGO STATE +12.5 (-110) catching the points. It should be able to keep this one within single digits.

Houston -12.5 (-110) does with a deliberate and methodical offense, while locking it down on the defensive end. It has failed to cover in the past 2 games, while going 2-3 ATS in the past 5 outings.

For San Diego State, it is 1-3 ATS in 4 games to date, while going 1-2 ATS in 3 games as an underdog, so be careful.

Over/Under

UNDER 125.5 (-115) is worth a look, even though this is a low number, and it has dropped 4 points.

Again, Houston likes to slow it down, and San Diego State is generally not in any hurry, either.

The Under cashed in the first 3 games for the Aztecs, including the tourney opener with Creighton. The Over cashed last time out against Oregon, however, so don’t get carried away.

The Over-Under has split in 2 games in this tournament for UH, with the Over cashing in the Alabama game which went to OT. The total has gone low in 3 of the past 4 games for the Cougars.

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Houston at BYU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Houston at BYU odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Houston Cougars (4-7, 3-5 Big 12) and No. 20 BYU Cougars (9-2, 6-2) wrap up their regular seasons Saturday night in Provo, Utah. Kickoff from LaVell Edwards Stadium is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Houston vs. BYU odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Houston, eliminated from bowl eligibility, is playing for pride and potentially as a spoiler. The Cougars have lost 2 straight games. They lost 20-10 to Baylor at home Nov. 23, failing to cover as 7-point underdogs. The Under (51) cashed in.

BYU, No. 20 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, is fighting for a berth in the Big 12 title game. The Cougars lost 28-23 — after rallying from down 21-0 — at Arizona State Nov. 23, failing to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. The Over (49.5) cashed in.

With a win, BYU can clinch a spot in the Big 12 title game with some help. It needs either 2 of the 3 other teams with 2 conference losses (Colorado, Iowa State, Arizona State) to lose, or for either Iowa State to lose to Kansas State, or Arizona State to lose to Arizona.

– US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Houston at BYU odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Houston +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | BYU -550 (bet $550 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Houston +12.5 (-115) | BYU -12.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Houston at BYU picks and predictions

Prediction

BYU 27, Houston 13

Moneyline

Houston is only 1-4 on the road this season, while BYU (-550) has only 1 home loss and has only scored a combined 13 points over the last 2 games.

In its 7 losses, it has scored a max of 14 points.

BYU has averaged 19.3 points in its last 3 games, but had scored 34 or more in 6 straight before that.

Expect the offense to get on track and the defense to keep Houston from scoring much.

But -550 odds aren’t worth the action; you get much better value with the spread.

PASS.

Against the spread

Houston has covered the spread only once in a loss this season.

BYU has 5 wins by at least 13 points.

BET BYU -12.5 (-105).

Over/Under

The Under has hit in 10 of Houston’s 11 games this season, including 4 straight.

Meanwhile, BYU has had the Over cash in 8 of its 11 games and 6 of its last 7.

But it will be hard to hit the over with how Houston has been playing offensively.

BET UNDER 40.5 (-110).

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Notre Dame vs. Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Notre Dame vs. Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-1) battle the No. 7 Houston Cougars (3-2) Thursday morning in the Players Era Festival. Tip-off from the MGM Grand Garden Arena is scheduled for 12:30 a.m. ET (TBS). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Notre Dame vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Notre Dame has lost back-to-back games after falling 85-84 in OT against Rutgers Tuesday, pushing as a 1-point underdog. G Matt Allocco scored a team-high 24 points while grabbing 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Houston fell 85-80 against Alabama in OT Tuesday as a 4-point favorite. G L.J. Cryer scored a game-high 30 points and was 1 of just 3 Cougars players who scored in double figures.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Notre Dame vs. 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 Wednesday at 12:40 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Notre Dame +950 (bet $100 to win $950) | Houston -2000 (bet $2,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Notre Dame +16.5 (-105) | Houston -16.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 133.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Notre Dame vs. Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 84, Notre Dame 71

Moneyline

PASS.

There is no value on Houston (-2000) to win against Notre Dame Wednesday night.

Against the spread

LEAN NOTRE DAME +16.5 (-105).

The Fighting Irish put up a great battle against a strong Rutgers team Tuesday, while Houston struggled against Alabama. Houston holds the clear advantage, but Notre Dame has what it takes to keep this game from a blowout.

Over/Under

BET OVER 133.5 (-105).

Houston has a tendency to push the pace of the game and will be responsible for carrying the total. It has scored 80 or more points in 3 straight games and allowed 74 or more in 2 of its last 4.

Notre Dame has scored 75 or more points in each game this season and should be able to add enough for the Over to hit.

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Houston vs. Alabama odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Houston vs. Alabama odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 7 Houston Cougars (3-1) battle the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (4-1) Tuesday in the Players Era Festival. Tip-off from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TBS). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Houston vs. Alabama odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Houston has won back-to-back games after taking down Hofstra 80-44 Friday, covering as a 28.5-point home favorite. F Joseph Tugler scored a team-high 17 points off the bench.

Alabama got back in the win column with a 100-87 victory as an 8.5-point favorite against Illinois at Legacy Arena in Birmingham Wednesday. F Grant Nelson had a team-high 23 points and was 1 of 4 Crimson Tide players who scored at least 16.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Houston vs. Alabama 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 10:35 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Houston -185 (bet $185 to win $100) | Alabama +150 (bet $100 to win $150)
Against the spread (ATS): Houston -3.5 (-115) | Alabama +3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 149.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Houston vs. Alabama picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 86, Alabama 81

Moneyline

PASS.

The spread has better value on Houston (-185).

Against the spread

BET HOUSTON -3.5 (–115).

The Cougars have covered 3 of their last 4 games. They’ve scored 80 or more points and allowed 45 or fewer in each win this season. While Alabama will present more trouble than its other opponents, Houston’s experience with its seasoned players will provide the advantage in the early-season tournament.

Over/Under

BET OVER 149.5 (-115).

Both teams have high-octane offenses with the ability to push the pace of the game. Houston has scored 91 or more points in 2 of its last 4 games, while Alabama has scored 88 or more in 3 of its 5.

The Crimson Tide have allowed 87 points in back-to-back games.

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Hofstra at Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Hofstra at Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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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)

FanDuel Sportsbook lists a ML of:

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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Louisiana at Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Louisiana at Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (1-1) and the No. 10 Houston Cougars (1-1) meet Wednesday at Fertitta Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Louisiana vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Ragin’ Cajuns were tripped up 70-66 in the opener against the Kent State Golden Flashes as a 1.5-point underdog while the Under (144.5) cashed. Louisiana bounced back with an 82-65 win over Texas-Dallas, a lower-level team, in a game with no spread or total.

The Cougars spanked the Jackson State Tigers 97-40 in the opener as a 36-point favorite. Houston lost 74-69 Saturday to the No. 4 Auburn Tigers on a neutral floor as a 5.5-point favorite while the Over (141.5) cashed for a second straight outing. Houston had 5 players go for double digits against Auburn, including 13 points from L.J. Cryer, although he was just 5-of-14.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Louisiana at Houston odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 6:52 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Louisiana +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000) | Houston -50000 (bet $50,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Louisiana +28.5 (-104) | Houston -28.5 (-118)
Over/Under (O/U): 138.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Louisiana at Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 84, Louisiana 53

Moneyline

Houston (-50000) will cost you 500 times your potential return. Yes, that’s risking $500 for $1 in profit. We don’t need to go on about how bad of an idea that is.

AVOID.

Against the spread

Back HOUSTON -28.5 (-118) laying the big points. The Cougars routed Jackson State with a big number in the opener, and it should be able to push past the Ragin’ Cajuns’ by blanketing Louisiana +28.5 (-105) with a suffocating defense on Houston’s home floor.

Louisiana struggled to get the job done at the offensive end against Kent State in a loss, and that’s a MAC team, not a top-10 national title contender. This one is about to get ugly.

Over/Under

UNDER 138.5 (-115) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

The Cajuns are going to have trouble solving Houston’s defense, but the concern is if the Cougars are able to roll up big numbers at home against Louisiana. It won’t take much for UH to get this one into the Over column, so be careful.

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Auburn at Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Auburn Tigers at Houston Cougars odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 4 Houston Cougars (1-0) welcome the No. 11 Auburn Tigers (1-0) to Toyota Center Saturday in the Mattress Firm Battleground 2k24. Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Auburn vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Tigers beat the Vermont Catamounts 94-43 Wednesday as 17.5-point favorites. They shot 56% from the field and ended with just 9 turnovers. G Miles Kelly led the team with 24 points and notched 7 triples as well. The Tigers key weapon is F Johni Broome, who averaged 16.5 points per game for Auburn last season. Auburn was 27-8 last season and was 0-1 against top-5 opponents.

The Cougars opened their season with a 97-40 win over the Jackson State Tigers Monday as 36-point favorites. Houston was led by G LJ Cryer, who hit 4 of 6 shots from deep and ended with 16 points. Cryer was among the most notable pieces from last season’s roster, averaging 15.5 per game a season ago. Houston was 32-5 last season and finished first in the Big 12. It was 5-1 in the regular season against ranked opponents.

Auburn is No. 11 and Houston is No. 4 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll.

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Auburn 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 1:49 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Auburn +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Houston -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Auburn +5.5 (-110) | Houston -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 141.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Auburn at Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 76, Auburn 67

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s no great play here. The Cougars (-225) are in Houston, but they are far too expensive to take here as favorites. The Tigers are sizable road underdogs and didn’t perform well a season ago against elite sides.

Avoid that play as well.

Against the spread

BET HOUSTON -5.5 (-110).

Coach Kelvin Sampson, since taking over at Houston in 2014, has created a juggernaut. The Cougars have lost single-digit games in 7 straight seasons and have 5 or fewer losses in 4 of those. They have consistently won, and even joining the Big 12 hasn’t changed that. Sampson has bought in, and the return of Cryer will held keep their offense surging.

The Tigers have yet to play in an environment as rocking as Toyota Center and struggled last season against top opponents. Auburn lost both games on the road against top-25 sides last season, and both losses came by 6 points or more.

Considering those trends, back HOUSTON -5.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET OVER 141.5 (-110).

In the Tigers’ lone match against a Big 12 team last season (Baylor), there were 170 points scored in the 88-82 battle. The Tigers and Cougars both lit up their respective opponents to open the season, as Auburn put up 94 and Houston scored 97. Both teams returned key offensive weapons from last season and aren’t reliant on transfers or freshmen.

Given each side shot at least 55% from the field to open the season, expect the offenses to sustain some high level of play despite the intensity and defense being superior in this one. Back OVER 141.5 (-110).

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