TCU (8-5) vs. Houston (10-3)
January 6, 2025 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Houston -18.5; Over/Under: +128.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate a Houston vs TCU prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, January 6th at the Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
The Houston Cougars are 10-3 (2-0) this year after they defeated BYU by a score of 86-55 in their last game. Houston led 39-22 at halftime and they added 47 points in the second half for the win. The Cougars shot 49.2% from the field, 47.1% on three-pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. Emanuel Sharp led Houston with 18 points and three rebounds, while Terrance Arceneaux added 15 points and six rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Cougars defeated Oklahoma State by a score of 60-47 and Texas A&M CC by a score of 87-51. Houston has won six games in a row and their only losses so far this year have been against Auburn, Alabama, and San Diego State. Houston has scored 77.2 points per game and they have allowed 54.6 points per game, while also averaging 38.8 rebounds and 13.6 assists per game this year. LJ Cryer is averaging 14.6 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while Emanuel Sharp is averaging 14.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game this season. Houston is shooting 45.6% from the field, 75.6% on free throws, and 41.4% on three-pointers this year.
TCU Horned Frogs Betting Preview
The TCU Horned Frogs are 8-5 (1-1) this season after they defeated Kansas State by a score of 63-62 in their last game. TCU led 27-24 at halftime and they were able to get the win, despite being outscored 38-36 in the second half. The Horned Frogs shot 39.3% from the field, 40% on three-pointers, and 56.3% on free throws in the game. Noah Reynolds led TCU with 18 points and three rebounds, while Trazarien White added 14 points and four rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Horned Frogs lost to Arizona by a score of 90-81 but did beat Montana State by a score of 82-48 before that. TCU has won three of their last four games, but they do have two bad losses against Colorado State and Santa Clara earlier in the season. TCU has scored 69.7 points per game and they have allowed 66.3 points per game, while also averaging 35.1 rebounds and 12.9 assists per game this season. Noah Reynolds is averaging 11.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, while Vasean Allette is averaging 10.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game this year. TCU is shooting 42% from the field, 65% on free throws, and 32.3% on three-pointers this season.
Why Houston will beat TCU
- Houston has won each of its last 52 night games at Fertitta Center.
- TCU has lost each of its last five games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Houston has won the first half in each of its last 38 night games at Fertitta Center.
Why TCU will beat Houston
- TCU has won six of its last eight night games.
- TCU has won the first half in three of its last four games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of TCU’s last six road night games against the Big 12 Conference has produced a total of 143+ points.
- Each of Houston’s last five night games has produced a total of 127 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Houston ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game this season (54.6).
- Houston ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal percentage this season (33.7%).
- TCU ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point percentage this season (27.7%).
- TCU ranks 23rd among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.3).
Houston vs TCU Prediction
Houston comes into this matchup as a pretty big favorite at home and their defense has led the way for them so far this year. The Cougars are allowing just 54.6 points per game this year and they have allowed 55 points or fewer in five straight games. On the other side, the Houston offense is shooting 45.6% from the field and they have scored at least 78 points in three of their last four. TCU has had an up-and-down start to the season, but they did get a one-point win over Kansas State in their last game. The Horned Frogs have also played very strong defense this year, but they are shooting just 42% from the field. I think we are going to see a lower-scoring game in this matchup and I like the under here.
