Auburn (1-0) vs. Houston (1-0)
November 9, 2024 9:30 pm EDT
The Line: Houston -2.5; Over/Under: +146.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Auburn Tigers and the Houston Cougars meet Saturday in college basketball action from Toyota Center. Here’s a Houston vs Auburn prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Houston vs Auburn pick.
Auburn Tigers Betting Preview
The Tigers managed to go 27-8 overall last season with a 13-5 record in SEC play. Auburn finished behind Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama in the standings but would go on to win the conference tournament. The Tigers’ season ended with a First Round loss to Yale in the NCAA Tournament, though.
In their first action of the 2024-25 season, Auburn took on Vermont. The Tigers didn’t have too much trouble in that one, finishing off on a 48-22 run for a 94-43 blowout win. Tops in scoring was Miles Kelly with 21 points and three boards in 18 minutes of work.
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
Over on the Houston side, they went a nice 32-5 overall last year and 15-3 in the Big 12 for a regular-season championship. The Cougars lost to Iowa State in the conference tournament though, then eventually fell to Duke in the Sweet Sixteen round of the national tourney.
Houston’s first outing this year was a blowout win over Jackson State. The Cougars jumped out to a 52-13 edge by halftime and cruised to the 97-40 result. LJ Cryer led the way on 16 points and Mylik Wilson added 15 points with three boards and three assists.
Why the Houston Cougars will win
- Auburn has lost each of its last 10 games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
- Houston has won 35 of its last 37 night games against non-Conference opponents.
- Houston has won the first half in 16 of its last 17 games against non-Conference opponents.
Why the Auburn Tigers will win
- Auburn has won each of its last 10 night games against non-Conference opponents.
- Houston has lost four of its last five games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Auburn has won the first half in each of its last 14 night games against non-Conference opponents.
Houston vs Auburn Prediction
I’ll probably try Auburn. You could make a case either way, though; this should be a really good matchup. In any case, the Tigers shot a blistering 56.3 percent from the field and 45.7 percent (16-of-35) from 3-point range against an overmatched Vermont team in their opener. Auburn was good on the glass too, with a 43-31 rebounding edge.
As for Houston, they posted an easy win in their opener as well, hitting 58.2 percent from the field and 60 percent (12-of-60) from outside against Jackson State. The Cougars posted 39 rebounds, 19 assists and 12 steals along the way. This Saturday’s matchup will be the first true test for each team this season and I expect a competitive game. Auburn has a big chore ahead of them on the road, but if the Tigers can hit some early shots and keep the rebounding going I think they’ll be in line for a cover (and maybe a win). It’ll be a fun one to watch regardless.
