Texas Longhorns (16-8) vs. Houston Cougars (21-3)
February 17, 2024 1:00 pm EDT
The Line: Houston Cougars -10.5; Over/Under: +131.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Texas Longhorns will play the Houston Cougars in a Big 12 game on Saturday afternoon at the Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas. Texas has won two of their last three games, while Houston has won seven of their last eight. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Texas vs Houston prediction.
Texas Preview
The Texas Longhorns are 16-8 (5-6) this season after they defeated West Virginia by a score of 94-58 in their last game. Texas led 55-30 at halftime and they were able to coast to the win in the second half. The Longhorns shot 51.4% from the field and made 15 three pointers in the game. Texas lost to Iowa State by a score of 70-65 in the game prior to West Virginia, but did beat TCU before that. The Longhorns are scoring 76.8 points per game with 35.2 rebounds per game and 16.2 assists per game, while allowing 67.8 points against per game this year. Max Abmas is averaging 17.7 points per game, 3.0 rebounds per game, and 4.4 assists per game. Texas is shooting 48% from the field, 74.9% on free throws, and 37.9% on three pointers this season.
Houston Preview
The Houston Cougars are 21-3 (8-3) this year after they defeated Cincinnati by a score of 67-62 in their last game. Houston trailed 32-29 at halftime, but out scored Cincinnati 38-30 in the second half in the win. The Cougars shot 39.1% from the field and were +7 in rebounding margin in the game. Houston defeated Oklahoma State by a score of 79-63 in the game prior to Cincinnati, but lost to Kansas before that. The Cougars are scoring 73.6 points per game with 39.6 rebounds per game and 13 assists per game, while giving up 54.7 points against per game this season. L.J. Cryer is averaging 14.8 points per game, 2.5 rebounds per game, and 2.0 assists per game. Houston is shooting 43.3% from the field, 68.1% on free throws, and 34.6% on three pointers this year.
Texas vs Houston Betting Prediction
Houston comes into this game ranked #3 in the country and they will be at home for this matchup. The Cougars are only allowing 54.7 points against per game this year, but they only shoot 43.3% from the field. Texas could really use a big win for their resume, as they have had some struggles in conference play, but this is a tough matchup for them. These two teams went to overtime in their first meeting this year, with Houston winning 76-72. This should be another solid game, but I think Texas will keep it closer than people think. Take the Longhorns on the road.
