Following a hot start that put them at the top of the College Basketball odds polls, the Houston Cougars are tailing off. After taking strong profits for the first part of the season, Houston is splashing red ink all over gamblers. Houston’s weaknesses on offense are beginning to be exposed. Its defense remains among the best but is not getting enough help. By contrast, the Baylor Bears are one of the top values on the board. Baylor is making its move to take the Big 12 championship away from Houston. The Bears boast an elite scoring offense.
Houston Cougars vs. Baylor Bears Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, February 24, 2024, 12 p.m. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Foster Pavilion, Waco, TX. |
| TV Coverage: | CBS |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Houston Cougars Team Overview
Overall, the Houston Cougars are 22-3 straight up, 12-12-1 against the spread, and 10-15 over/under the online betting total. Houston has national metrics of 187th for scoring offense, 255th for field goal percentage, 145th for 3-point field goal percentage, 313th for free throw percentage, and 13th for offensive rebounding. While defensively, Houston is 1st for scoring defense, 1st for field goal percentage permitted, 10th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 37th for defensive rebounding.
Late on Houston has covered three of its previous seven games. Houston has gone over the total in four of its last five outings. First among Houston scorers is GLJ Cryer with 15.3 points per game. G Jamal Shead adds 12.8 points and 5.8 assists per contest. G Emanuel Sharp brings 12.3 points per matchup.
Of course, Houston arrived from the American Athletic Conference, where they were a dominant team. In their first season as members of the Big 12 Conference, the Cougars have led the standings most of the year. The gambling public is aware of Houston as a national power. In turn, that can translate into significant betting action.
Baylor Bears Team Overview
Overall, the Baylor Bears are 19-6 straight up, 15-7-2 against the spread, and 13-11 over/under the NCAABB betting total. Baylor has national metrics of 21st for scoring offense, 15th for field goal percentage, 4th for 3-point field goal percentage, 131st for free throw percentage, and 199th for offensive rebounding. While defensively, Baylor is 144th for scoring defense, 281st for field goal percentage permitted, 185th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 5th for defensive rebounding.
Late on Baylor has covered five of its previous ten games. Baylor has gone under the total in three of its last five outings. First among Baylor scorers is G Ja’Kobe Walter with 14.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. G RayJ Dennis adds 13.4 points and 6.5 assists per contest. Also, C Yves Missi brings 11.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest.
At the onset of the week, Baylor was one game behind Houston for the Big 12 Conference lead. The Bears are being carried by a prolific offense that covers for its inconsistent defense.
Houston at Baylor SBG Free Picks
To summarize, Houston got the cash in three of its last four games against Baylor. The last meeting went over the total. Also, the Cougars covered their last visit to Baylor. In this situation, Houston will offer more value as a quality road team. Baylor will be overpriced as the power brand home team.
Houston at Baylor SBG Best Bet: Houston Cougars.