The Memphis Tigers (21-9, 10-7 AAC) and Houston Cougars (22-8, 12-5 AAC) battle at Fertitta Center in Houston at 12 p.m. ET Sunday. We analyze the Memphis-Houston odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.
The Cougars are ranked 21st in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll.
Memphis at Houston: Three things you need to know
- Memphis picked up a narrow 60-59 victory Feb. 22 on their home floor against Houston. A win for the Tigers would give them the four-seed in the upcoming AAC Tournament.
- The Tigers lead the country with a 36.1 defensive field-goal percentage, and they rank third in the nation in blocked shots with 6.0 per game. Freshman Precious Achiuwa leads the team with 1.9 BPG, and he also leads the nation among freshmen with 10.6 rebounds per contest while posting 15.5 points per game.
- The Under has cashed in four straight for Memphis, and the streak was kicked off in their low-scoring win over Houston Feb. 22. The Cougs have hit the Under in three of their past four games, and 12 of their past 15.
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Memphis at Houston: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Houston 65, Memphis 61
Moneyline (ML)
The Houston moneyline (-500) is not a good play. This will be a defensive battle, and laying five times the return is just not good for the long-term health of your bankroll. If anything, Memphis (+360), who won the first meeting, would be a better option. But the best course of action is to AVOID.
Against the Spread (ATS)
MEMPHIS (+9, -110) won the first meeting and should be able to keep it close in what is expected to be a defensive grind like the first head-to-head contest. Houston (-9, -110) enters the game with a 2-4 ATS mark across the past six outings, and while the Cougars are 4-1 ATS in the past five at home, they have managed to cover just twice in the past five when favored by nine or more.
Over/Under (O/U)
UNDER 135 (-110) is the best bet between these two defensive-minded clubs. Houston ranks 16th in the land with 62.3 PPG allowed, while limiting the opposition to a 38.3 field-goal percentage, good for ninth in the country, and a 28.8 3-pointer percentage, 11th in the nation. Memphis allows just 64.9 PPG, and it is fourth against the three while leading the country in defensive FG%.
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