The number 3 Houston Puma (20-2, 8-1 AAC) will face the Wichita state shock (11-10, 4-5) Thursday at Charles Koch Arena. The tip is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we break down the Tipico Sportsbook lines around the Houston versus Wichita State chanceand take our expert college basketball picks, predictions, and bets.
Rankings courtesy of USA TODAY’s Sports Coach Survey.
The Cougars defeated Cincinnati 75-69 on Saturday, falling short of covering the 14.5-point favorites at home. Houston went on a 2-game hitting streak and won 9 of their last 10 contests.
The Shockers beat East Carolina 85-72 on Sunday to cover the 4.5-point spread on the road. Wichita State went 5-5 in their last 10 games.
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Houston to Wichita State odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access the USA TODAY sports scores and sports betting odds hub for a complete list. Lines last updated at 10:28 AM ET.
- Money Line (ML): Houston -800 (bet $800 to win $155) | Mavericks +500 (Bet $500 to Win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Houston -11.5 (-115) | Wichita State +11.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 130.5 (F: -110 | F: -110)
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Houston picks and predictions at Wichita State
Prediction
Houston 74, Wichita State 59
Money line
TO AVOID.
The minimal profit you will receive if the Cougars win is not worth considering.
Against the spread
HOUSTON -11.5 (-115) that’s how I’m playing the spread in this American Athletic Conference meetup. The Shockers are known for starting games slowly and are facing one of the best defensive teams in the nation.
The Cougars are 46-12-1 in their last 59 games after an ATS loss and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games on the road. The Shockers are also 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games following an ATS win.
Above under
Even with Houston owning the #1 scoring defense. 2 (54.9 PPG) in the nation, OVER 130.5 (-110) it’s the lean here. The Cougars are scoring an impressive 75.4 points per game (93rd in the nation), while the Shockers will score late enough to help reach the Over.
Houston went 9-3 at Over in their last 12 games on the road against a team with a home losing record. Meanwhile, Wichita State is 6-0 against the Over in their last 6 games overall.
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