- This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Houston (20-2) vs BYU (17-5)
- When: Feb 7 2026, 10:30 PM
- Where: Marriott Center, Provo, UT, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
(8) Houston vs (16) BYU Preview & Prediction
Spread: Houston -1.5
Moneyline: Houston (-123)
Total: 150.0
BYU Cougars Betting Breakdown
Houston walks into Provo laying 1.5 points with the total sitting at 150.0, but this feels like a classic buy low spot on BYU at home. The Cougars have dropped three straight and four of five, yet the talent on this roster is undeniable. AJ Dybantsa is leading the nation at 23.9 points per game and just poured in 36 against Oklahoma State. The offense is not the issue. BYU averages 86.7 points per game, second best in the Big 12, and the Marriott Center has been a real edge when the crowd gets rolling.
The concern has been defense, giving up 91.7 points per game during this skid. That has to tighten up. At home, expect a sharper effort and more urgency. Houston’s half court style also plays into a more controlled tempo, which should help BYU limit transition damage.
Player Prop Pick: AJ Dybantsa Over 24.5 Points – Volume plus home floor equals another big scoring night against elite defense.
If this turns into a close game late, I trust Dybantsa to create shots and free throws. Take BYU to win outright in a tight one.
Houston Cougars Betting Breakdown
Houston brings the second best defense in the country, allowing just 61.4 points per game. They have held their last two opponents to 55 and 54 points and continue to grind teams down with physicality and discipline. Kingston Flemings has stepped into a major role, averaging 17.0 points and 5.5 assists and coming off an 18 point outing against UCF.
The Cougars have won three straight in this series and are built for Big 12 road wars. However, laying points on the road in Provo is never easy, especially against a desperate team that needs a statement win.
Player Prop Pick: Kingston Flemings Over 19.5 Points – He has become Houston’s most reliable perimeter scorer and should see heavy usage.
Expert Final Score Prediction
The Cougars desperately need a bounce back spot and they get it at home. The Marriott Center crowd will be a factor, and AJ Dybantsa’s scoring ability gives BYU a late game closer.
Houston’s defense keeps it tight, but on the road in a hostile environment, getting buckets in crunch time is tougher. BYU makes just enough plays down the stretch to steal it.
Final Score: BYU 76, Houston 72
Lean: BYU ML (+101)
Total: Under 150.0
- NCAAB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
