NCAAB Odds, Pick for Texas Tech vs Houston
G Fiume/Getty Images. Pictured: Houston’s Jamal Shead.
Texas Tech vs Houston Odds
| Texas Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+12.5 -105 | 129.5 -110o / -110u | +600 |
| Houston Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-12.5 -115 | 129.5 -110o / -110u | -900 |
Texas Tech is slicing through the Big 12 like a chainsaw through butter. Winners of nine in a row, the Red Raiders travel to Houston to take on the Cougars on Wednesday night.
Last week was a tough one for Houston. Kelvin Sampson’s team had its unbeaten record soiled with losses at Iowa State and TCU.
As impressive as the Red Raiders have been, it will be tough to leave Houston with a victory. Despite their two-game skid, the Cougars remain the best defensive team in the country.
The Red Raiders offense has been solid thus far, but any offense can quickly squirm against the aggressive Cougars. It's concerning that Texas Tech ranks 320th in block percentage because Houston leads the nation in defensive blocks.
Forward Darrion Williams is sporting the best 3-point percentage on the team, shooting 40% from deep. He will have to get creative against the Cougars' suffocating perimeter defense.
The Red Raiders defense has been great, but they've allowed too many 3-point attempts for my liking. That's bad news going up against a talented Cougars team filled with sharpshooters.
This isn't a great spot for the Red Raiders, and I have my doubts that they stay competitive in the game.
The Big 12 didn't hold a great welcome party for the Cougars. Their 14-0 record was snapped at Iowa State last week, and they followed that up with a loss at TCU.
However, I would take those results with a grain of salt. This remains a terrific spot to buy the Cougars.
I don't have any concerns about their ability to contain the Red Raiders offense. Houston still paces the country in numerous defensive categories, including:
- Adjusted Efficiency
- Block Percentage
- 2-Point Percentage
- Steal Percentage
Offensively, I expect the Cougars to dominate the boards. They will earn multiple second chances against a subpar defensive rebounding squad in Texas Tech.
LJ Cryer and Jamal Shead should be an X-factor from beyond the arc, as the Red Raiders aren’t elite on the perimeter.
At the end of the day, the Cougars need to get right, and I think this is a terrific time to buy them at a slightly discounted price.
Texas Tech vs. Houston
Betting Pick & Prediction
The Cougars are going to dominate this game. No disrespect to the folks out in Lubbock, but the Cougars are supremely more talented.
After consecutive losses, we may be getting a discount on the Cougars. This is also a great sell-high spot for the Red Raiders, as their nine-game winning streak has some signs of fool's gold.
Expect Sampson’s team to come out inspired and wash away their last couple of games. Houston's defense should dominate from the opening tip, while Cryer and Shead find a way to carry the offense.
Pick: Houston -12 (Play to -13)
How would you rate this article?