College Basketball Picks

Houston vs Utah Prediction 1/22/25 College Basketball Picks Today

Utah (11-6) vs. Houston (14-3)
January 22, 2025 6:00 pm EDT
The Line: Houston -18.5; Over/Under: 134.5
(Get latest betting odds)

In this article, we will formulate a Houston vs Utah prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, January 22nd 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 14-3 (6-0) this year after they defeated UCF by a score of 69-68 in their last game. Houston trailed 38-30 at halftime, but they scored 39 points in the second half and scored in the final seconds for the win. The Cougars shot 42% from the field, 18.8% on three-pointers, and 72.7% on free throws in the game. J’Wan Roberts led Houston with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Ja’Vier Francis added 16 points and 10 rebounds in the win. 


Prior to that game, the Cougars defeated West Virginia by a score of 70-54 and Kansas State by a score of 87-57. Houston has won 10 games in a row and they are the only undefeated team in the Big 12. Houston has scored 76.2 points per game and they have allowed 55 points per game, while also averaging 38.2 rebounds and 13.1 assists per game this season. LJ Cryer is averaging 13.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, while Emanuel Sharp is averaging 13.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. Houston is shooting 45.9% from the field, 74% on free throws, and 40.5% on three-pointers this year. 

Utah Utes Betting Preview

The Utah Utes are 11-6 (3-3) this season after they defeated BYU in overtime by a score of 73-72 in their last game. Utah trailed 30-27 at halftime, but they were able to tie the game and get the win in overtime. The Utes shot 44.6% from the field, 26.1% on three-pointers, and 53.1% on free throws in the game. Ezra Ausar led Utah with 26 points and six rebounds, while Lawson Lovering added 13 points and seven rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that victory, the Utes defeated TCU by a score of 73-65 and Oklahoma State by a score of 83-62. Utah has won three games in a row, but they did lose the four games prior to that. Utah has scored 80.2 points per game and they have allowed 70 points per game, while also averaging 40.6 rebounds and 19.9 assists per game this season. Gabe Madsen is averaging 15.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, while Ezra Ausar is averaging 11.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game this year. Utah is shooting 46.8% from the field, 63.1% on free throws, and 34.5% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Houston will beat Utah

  • Houston has won each of its last 32 games at Fertitta Center.
  • Utah has lost each of its last seven games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
  • Houston has won the first half in each of its last 31 games at Fertitta Center.

Why Utah will beat Houston

  • Utah has won each of its last three games.

Total Points Facts

  • Each of Utah’s last 11 games against Conference opponents has produced a total of 136+ points.
  • Each of Houston’s last four day games has produced a total of 137+ points.

Houston vs Utah Prediction 

Houston comes into this matchup with one of the best records in the country and they are still undefeated in conference play. The Cougars barely escaped with a win at UCF last time out, but they have been dominant at home. Houston is allowing just 55.0 points per game this year and they have allowed 57 points or fewer in four of their last five. Utah has won three games in a row, but they have been against some of the lower competition in the Big 12. The Utes are shooting nearly 47% from the field this year and they are scoring 80.2 points per game. Not many teams have had success scoring on this Houston defense and I have a hard time believing that will change here. Take the under in this game. 

David Racey's Free Pick: Under 134.5

Need More? Get Premium Picks

David Racey

David started writing about sports in 2015, but sports has been his passion for as long as he can remember. David spends most of his free time watching pretty much anything sports related from Baseball to Tennis and everything in between. David likes to analyze statistics and recent results to form an unbiased opinion on whatever game he is breaking down. Follow David on Twitter at @itsyerboi41

Related Articles

Back to top button