West Virginia (12-3) at Houston (12-3)
- When: Jan 15 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Fertitta Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN+
Houston enters Wednesday night as an 17-point favorite with the total set at 124.5 as their top-tier defense prepares to lock horns with West Virginia’s high-scoring star, Javon Small. The Cougars boast one of the best defensive units in the nation, holding opponents to just 54.2 points per game. During their current eight-game winning streak, they haven’t allowed more than 57 points in a single outing.
West Virginia, led by Small, who is averaging 19.8 points per game, will attempt to crack Houston’s defensive armor. Small’s ability to create offense from anywhere on the court makes him a legitimate threat, and Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson has acknowledged his playmaking prowess, praising his ability to score at all three levels and inject confidence into his team.
The Cougars (12-3, 4-0 Big 12) remain tied for first in the conference alongside Arizona and Iowa State and are coming off a dominant 87-57 victory over Kansas State. Houston’s offense was firing on all cylinders, with five players scoring in double digits. Emanuel Sharp led the way with 15 points, and LJ Cryer—who averages 14.1 points per game—continued his consistent offensive contributions.
Meanwhile, West Virginia (12-3, 3-1) picked up a 78-70 road win over Colorado on Sunday, with Small notching 26 points. Joseph Yesufu also made his presence felt with 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting during his 28-minute appearance, showcasing his ability to attack the rim and provide an offensive spark when needed.
Houston’s veteran leader, J’Wan Roberts, reached a career milestone by scoring his 1,000th point during the win over Kansas State. Roberts, who has played 150 games for the Cougars, averages 8.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Sampson recalled Roberts’ early years, describing how he evolved from an uncertain freshman nicknamed “The Wanderer” to a cornerstone of the program, contributing in scoring, defense, and rebounding.
Freshman forward Joseph Tugler also delivered a standout performance with his first career double-double, scoring 13 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Tugler has shown great potential but has struggled with foul trouble, fouling out twice this season. Sampson believes Tugler can become an even more dominant force if he learns to stay on the court for longer stretches.
Predictions and Betting Outlook
Houston’s suffocating defense and balanced offensive attack make them a tough matchup for West Virginia, even with Small’s scoring ability. The Cougars are adept at shutting down star players, and their depth allows them to maintain relentless defensive pressure.
Prediction: Houston 71, West Virginia 51
Best Bets:
Houston -17: The Cougars’ defense should control the tempo and create separation by the second half.
Under 124.5 Total Points: Both teams emphasize defense, and the Cougars’ ability to limit possessions makes the under a strong play.
Javon Small Over 19.5 Points: West Virginia’s offense flows through Small, and even against a tough defense, he’s likely to reach his scoring average.
Joseph Tugler Over 7.5 Rebounds: If he can avoid fouling out, Tugler has the size and athleticism to dominate the boards against a smaller West Virginia frontcourt.
The key storyline will be whether the Mountaineers can make this a competitive game or if Houston’s elite defense will once again stifle another opponent. Expect the Cougars to assert their dominance at home and secure another lopsided win.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
