Duke Blue Devils (26-8) vs. Houston Cougars (32-4)
March 29, 2024 9:39 pm EDT
The Line: Houston Cougars -4.5; Over/Under: +134.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a Duke vs Houston betting prediction for this NCAA Tournament college basketball game on Friday, March 29th at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:
- The Duke recent form and recent player performance
- The Houston recent form and recent play performance
- Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Duke
- Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Houston
- Recent betting trends in games played between Duke and Houston
- A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between Duke and Houston
Duke Preview
The Duke Blue Devils are 26-8 (15-5) this season after they defeated James Madison by a score of 93-55 in their last game. Duke led 47-25 at halftime and added 46 second half points for the blowout win. The Blue Devils shot 52.4% from the field and made 14 three pointers in the game. Duke defeated Vermont by a score of 64-47 in the first round and they have won five of their last seven games. The Blue Devils are scoring 79.8 points per game with 36.6 rebounds per game and 15.5 assists per game, while allowing 66.5 points against per game this season. Kyle Filipowski is averaging 16.6 points per game, 8.2 rebounds per game, and 2.9 assists per game. Duke is shooting 48.2% from the field, 72.2% on free throws, and 37.7% on three pointers this year.
Houston Preview
The Houston Cougars are 32-4 (15-3) this year after they defeated Texas A&M in overtime by a score of 100-95 in their last game. Houston led 43-38 at the half, but they allowed 48 points in the second half, before winning in overtime. The Cougars shot 51.5% from the field and made 11 three pointers in the game. Houston defeated Longwood by a score of 86-46 in the first round, and they have won 13 of their last 14 games. The Cougars are scoring 74.1 points per game with 37.3 rebounds per game and 13.2 assists per game, while giving up 57.7 points against per game this year. L.J. Cryer is averaging 15.5 points per game, 2.4 rebounds per game, and 1.9 assists per game. Houston is shooting 43.4% from the field, 69.4% on free throws, and 34.7% on three pointers this season.
Houston Cougars Team Facts
- Houston has won each of its last 15 games against non-Conference opponents.
- Nine of Houston’s last 10 night games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 132 or fewer points.
- Houston has won the first half in each of its last 15 games against non-Conference opponents.
Duke Blue Devils Team Facts
- Duke has won each of its last 11 Friday games played at neutral venues.
- Each of Duke’s last 14 night games against Top 5 AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 134+ points.
- Duke has won the first half in each of its last six games against non-Conference opponents.
Duke vs Houston Betting Prediction
Houston comes into this matchup as the one seed in the region, but they barely got by Texas A&M in overtime in their last game. The Cougars did allow 95 points in their win against A&M, but they are one of the best defensive teams in the nation. Duke had a solid performance against Vermont in the first round, but they absolutely dominated James Madison in their second game. Duke scored 93 points in that win over JMU and I think they will find some success against Houston here. I don’t love how Houston has looked in two of their last three games and I think Duke could pull off the upset here. Take the Blue Devils with the points. The winner of this clash will face NC State or Marquette in the next round.
