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

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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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Houston at Alabama odds, picks and prediction

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

The No. 13 Houston Cougars (8-1) and No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (7-1) clash in a ranked showdown Saturday with a 10 p.m. ET tip-off at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Below, we look at the Houston vs. Alabama odds and lines and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Houston lost a close neutral-site game against No. 17 Wisconsin Nov. 23. The nation’s second-best defensive team in points allowed has gone 4-0 since and held opponents to a 33.5% shooting mark along the way. The Cougars have allowed just 53.4 points per game (PPG).

Alabama has had a similar road, though one paved by its offense. The Crimson Tide lost to Iona Nov. 27; they’ve won four games since in high-scoring fashion. Alabama is sixth in the nation with 86.4 PPG.

Houston at Alabama odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:15 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Houston +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Alabama -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Houston +2.5 (-108) | Alabama -2.5 (-112)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 146.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Houston at Alabama odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Alabama 72, Houston 70

Money line

This is an interesting matchup with a slow-paced, defense-first Houston squad taking on an up-tempo, high-octane Alabama bunch. Look for a veteran Cougars five to hold their own in a game destined for a close finish.

The better leverage to be had in betting this one falls in the ATS and O/U plays. PASS.

Against the spread

The Cougars are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games as an underdog.

Houston has played a decent schedule, but it hasn’t really faced any quality, fast-paced teams yet. However, recent offense and defense efficiency efforts make UH the play.

Look for the Cougars to take care of the basketball and hold their own on the glass and perhaps Alabama’s latest win — a week ago in Seattle — makes for a bit of a come-down and some rust.

BACK HOUSTON +2.5 (-108).

Over/Under

With a healthy respect for the visiting five and some doubt as to whether Alabama can pull off a hot shooting game from distance, there is plenty of feeling that this one gets into the final minute with a score close to 70-70. Its worth shading the UNDER 146.5 (-110).

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