The Houston Cougars (21-6) visit the Memphis Tigers (18-8) in a Saturday matinee at FedExForum. Tip-off will be shortly after 2 p.m. ET. We analyze the Houston-Memphis odds and betting lines, with college basketball betting advice and tips around this matchup.
Houston at Memphis: Three things you need to know
1. Houston is 3-3 over its last six road games. The No. 22-ranked team in the nation (USA Today Sports Coaches Poll) has, for the season, been solid away from home. Defensive metrics — especially field-goal defense and free-throw rate allowed — have slipped the most when UH is on the road. In a Feb. 15 loss at SMU, the Cougars allowed a 55.3% accuracy mark from the floor. For the season at large, Houston ranks second in the American Athletic Conference in allowing just 62.1 points per game.
2. Memphis was a little sloppy late in a Wednesday win which snapped a three-game losing streak. The Tigers allowed a late run to what should have been an overmatched East Carolina Pirates team. Late-game slips have been a recurrent theme over Memphis’ last four games. The AAC’s second-best offense (73.8 PPG) has struggled in those situations.
3. Memphis has been without solid two-way player D.J. Jeffries (knee) all month, and he’s not expected back until March. The scales get balanced somewhat by a Houston injury for this one. Quentin Grimes (hip) — the Cougars’ second-leading scorer and a solid defender — has been listed as doubtful.
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Houston at Memphis: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Houston 72, Memphis 68
Moneyline (ML)
We will PASS on the Houston (-139) play for better-value action below.
Against the Spread (ATS)
Houston is 4-1 in games when favored by fewer than five points. The Cougars are the more consistent squad and one playing near its best of late. Due in part to a couple key injuries, Memphis has fallen from what was a solid level of play in November and December.
HOUSTON -2.5 (-106) has decent value.
Over/Under (O/U)
The total here appears to be baking in injuries as one-sided dings against the offense. The particular players sidelined bring a lot to the other side of the ball, as well. Figure on the Cougars reaching the low 70s and winning by four or five points. The OVER 137.5 (-115) is a solid play.
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