Houston vs Pennsylvania Prediction Basketball Picks 12-30-23

The Penn Quakers will play the Houston Cougars in a non-conference game on Saturday night at the Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas. Penn has won three of their last four games, while Houston comes into this game undefeated so far this season. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Penn vs Houston prediction.

Penn Preview

The Penn Quakers are 8-5 this season after they defeated Rider in overtime by a score of 77-73 in their last game. Penn led 41-28 at the half, but allowed Rider to force overtime, before they picked up the win in the extra frame. The Quakers shot 38.6% from the field and made 10 three pointers in the game. Penn defeated Howard by a score of 78-68 in the game prior to Rider, but lost to Kentucky by a score of 81-66 before that. The Quakers are scoring 80.9 points per game with 39.3 rebounds per game and 17.2 assists per game, while giving up 71.6 points against per game this season. Clark Slajchert is averaging 18.8 points per game, 3.1 rebounds per game, and 3.2 assists per game. Penn is shooting 47.4% from the field, 66.5% on free throws, and 40.2% on three pointers this year. 

Houston Preview

The Houston Cougars are 12-0 this year after they defeated Texas State by a score of 72-37 in their last game. Houston only allowed 18 points in the first half and 19 points in the second half for the win. The Cougars shot 43.3% from the field and forced 27 turnovers in the game. Houston has started the season with 12 straight victories, with notable wins against Utah, Dayton, Xavier, and Texas A&M. The Cougars are scoring 75.5 points per game with 41.1 rebounds per game and 14.1 assists per game, while allowing 50 points against per game this year. L.J. Cryer is averaging 17 points per game, 2.7 rebounds per game, and 1.9 assists per game. Houston is shooting 43.5% from the field, 66% on free throws, and 34.4% on three pointers this season. 

Penn vs Houston Betting Prediction

The Cougars come into this matchup looking to stay undefeated on the season and they are one of the best defensive teams in the country. Houston has allowed 37, 66, 55, 39, and 60 points in their last five games. Penn has won three of their last four games and they did play pretty well against Kentucky three games ago. The Quakers are scoring over 80 points per game and are shooting 47.4% from the field, but they are allowing 71.6 points against per game on defense. I think Houston will pick up the win with little issue, but I do like Penn with the points. I think the Quakers will be able to score more than expected and keep this game relatively close.