TCU (8-5) at Houston (10-3)
- When: Jan 6 2025, 9:00 PM
- Where: Fertitta Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN2
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
TCU @ Houston (#14)
Moneyline
TCU +1300
Houston (#14) -5000
TCU @ Houston (#14)
Point Spread
TCU 19.0 (-110)
Houston (#14) -19.0 (-110)
TCU @ Houston (#14)
Total
Over 128.5 (-110)
Under 128.5 (-110)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Team Stats
| TCU | Houston | |
| 8-5 | Record | 10-3 |
| 0-2 | Away & Home | 8-0 |
| 4-9-0 | ATS | 7-6-0 |
| 5-8-0 | O/U | 6-7-0 |
Last Matchup:
HOU 60-45, March 14th, 2024
Game Preview
The No. 14 Houston Cougars have been steamrolling opponents, continuing their dominant form with a six-game win streak, capped by an 86-55 demolition of BYU. Their next challenge comes in the form of a scrappy TCU squad on Monday, with Houston’s homecourt advantage on display—the Cougars boast the nation’s longest active home winning streak at 30 games.
Houston’s Lockdown Defense and Scoring Depth
Houston’s defense is suffocating, as demonstrated against a BYU offense ranked 24th in offensive efficiency by KenPom. The Cougars held BYU to just 37.5% shooting and a season-low in points. Coach Kelvin Sampson has his team firing on all cylinders defensively, and their recent offensive surge has made them an even more dangerous contender.
Key Players:
L.J. Cryer and Milos Uzan combined for 30 points in their win over Oklahoma State, while Emanuel Sharp and Terrance Arceneaux poured in 33 points on 10-for-18 shooting against BYU. Meanwhile, J’Wan Roberts continues to be a dominant force in the paint.
Sampson remains focused on fundamentals, prioritizing winning over flashy offense:
“We’re a defense-first and rebounding program, but we’re finding ways to score more. As long as we win, that’s what matters.”
TCU’s Road Struggles and Keys to Compete
TCU has shown resilience, narrowly escaping Kansas State with a 63-62 win after a 7-0 run to close the game. The Horned Frogs are 8-0 at home but have struggled in true road games, dropping both contests away from Fort Worth this season. Coach Jamie Dixon’s squad is still gelling after injuries and roster adjustments but appears to be improving at the right time.
Key Players:
Noah Reynolds, who notched 18 points in their last outing, and Trazarien White (14 points, three triples) will need to carry the offensive load. Senior guard Brendan Wenzel’s return adds depth, but TCU’s margin for error against Houston is razor-thin.
Dixon acknowledged the growing pains:
“We’ve made strides, but we’ve still got plenty to improve.”
Betting Analysis and Prediction
Houston’s defense and home dominance make them a formidable favorite, but a 19-point spread is substantial, even against a TCU team with road struggles. The Horned Frogs have battled through close games and may struggle to score consistently against Houston’s relentless pressure. The total at 128.5 reflects Houston’s methodical pace and elite defense.
Prediction: Houston to win convincingly, but TCU’s grit could keep the game closer than expected, making a cover by the Horned Frogs a plausible outcome.
Best Bet: TCU +19.0 to cover while Houston’s defense keeps the total under 128.5.
NCAA Basketball Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Houston 71-54
The Pick: TCU +19 & Under 128½
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $364
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
