The Texas Longhorns and BYU Cougars meet Thursday in the college basketball NCAA Tournament at the Moda Center. Here’s a BYU vs. Texas Prediction. This article will include a BYU vs. Texas Pick.
Texas Longhorns Betting Preview
The Texas Longhorns lost to Ole Miss and beat NC State. Texas has lost 5 of its last 7 games.
The Texas Longhorns are averaging 84.4 points on 49 percent shooting and allowing 76.9 points on 44.8 percent shooting. Dailyn Swain is averaging 17.7 points and 7.6 rebounds, while Matas Vokietaitis is averaging 15.5 points and 6.9 rebounds. Tramon Mark is the third double-digit scorer, and Jordan Pope is dishing 1.9 assists. The Texas Longhorns are shooting 35.3 percent from beyond the arc and 74.9 percent from the free-throw line. The Texas Longhorns are allowing 36.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.8 rebounds per game.
BYU Cougars Betting Preview
The BYU Cougars beat West Virginia and lost to Houston. BYU has split its last 12 games.
The BYU Cougars are averaging 83.9 points on 47.7 percent shooting and allowing 75.3 points on 44.3 percent shooting. AJ Dybantsa is averaging 25.3 points and 6.7 rebounds, while Robert Wright III is averaging 18.2 points and 4.7 assists. Richie Saunders is the third double-digit scorer, and Kennard Davis Jr. is dishing 1.3 assists. The BYU Cougars are shooting 34.9 percent from beyond the arc and 74.6 percent from the free throw line. The BYU Cougars are allowing 35.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.8 rebounds per game.
Why the BYU Cougars will win
- BYU has won each of its last 10 games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Texas has lost three of its last four games.
- BYU has won the first half in each of its last four games against non-Conference opponents.
Why the Texas Longhorns will win
- Texas has won each of its last 10 Thursday games.
- BYU has lost six of its last eight NCAA Tournament games.
- Texas has won the first half in each of its last 14 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Total Points Facts
- Ten of Texas’ last 11 day games against the Big 12 Conference have produced a total of 156 or fewer points.
- Each of BYU’s last four day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue has produced a total of 151 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- BYU ranks 23rd among Division 1 teams for points per game this season (84.3).
- BYU ranks 24th among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game this season (29.7).
- Texas ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (19.8).
- Texas ranks T7th among Division 1 teams for free throw attempts per game this season (26.4).
BYU vs Texas Prediction
Texas has the physicality to hang around in this game and I like it having a game under its belt. BYU can be soft at times, relies too much on iso ball offensively and hasn’t had success covering numbers. The problem is BYU has a noticeable gap in terms of AdjEM ranking and there’s a big difference in offensive firepower.
Texas limped into the tournament in poor form and one win over a subpar NC State team doesn’t change the entire outlook. Honestly, you can argue BYU should be an even bigger favorite. This line feels soft. Give me the Cougars and the small number.