Houston vs Texas Tech Picks and Predictions: Red Raiders Ready for Big 12 Statement

Houston Cougars (24-4 SU, 15-12-1 ATS) vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (21-6 SU, 15-12 ATS)

When: Monday, February 24th, 9:00 PM (ET)

Where: United Supermarkets Arena, TX, Lubbock

TV: ESPN

Point Spread: HOU -1.5/TXTECH +1.5

Total: 132.5

Money Line: Houston Cougars -137/+114

Notable Injuries

Cougars

• Ramon Walker Jr. (Out) Hand
• Jacob McFarland (Out) Leg

Red Raiders

• Chance McMillian (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Eemeli Yalaho (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Jazz Henderson (Out) Lower Body

Recent Form

Houston Cougars Recent Game/Games

Houston improved to 24-4 on the season with a 68-59 win over Iowa State on Saturday. The Cougars were at home and entered the game as -11.5 favorites.

Houston led 34-22 at halftime, but the Cyclones outscored them 37-34 in the second half. The total points for the game were 127, just under the O/U line of 129.5.

Texas Tech improved to 21-6 on the season with a 73-51 win over West Virginia on Saturday. Playing at home, the Red Raiders were favored by 10 points and covered the spread. The total points for the game were 124, which was under the O/U line of 134.5.

After leading 30-27 at halftime, Texas Tech took control in the 2nd half, scoring 43 points while holding West Virginia to just 24.

Analysis

In their last game, the Cougars put up 68 points, shooting 53.2% from the field and 58.8% from three, hitting 10 of 17 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 63.8%, and they shot 80% from the free-throw line, going 8 for 10.

L.J. Cryer led the way with 28 points, shooting 64.7% overall and 71.4% from deep, hitting 5 of 7 threes. Milos Uzan added 19 points, shooting 70% from the field and 60% from three, connecting on 3 of 5 attempts.

Even though Houston allowed 59 points, they struggled to contain their opponent’s shooting, giving up 53% from the field. The Cougars allowed 25 made field goals on 47 attempts.

From beyond the arc, Houston’s defense allowed 10 threes on 17 attempts, a 58% shooting performance. Their opponent also went 8/10 from the free-throw line.

Texas Tech put up 73 points in their last game, shooting 46.4% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 53.6%. They connected on 40.9% of their three-point attempts, hitting 9 of 22 from deep, and were strong from the free-throw line, making 12 of 15 for 80%.

Christian Anderson knocked down 5 threes, shooting 62.5% from beyond the arc, and finished with 21 points and 4 assists. JT Toppin led the team with 22 points and 8 rebounds, while Amani Hansberry contributed 14 points and 11 boards.

Even though Texas Tech allowed 51 points, they gave up a 46% shooting performance, with their opponent hitting 26 of 56 shots. Inside the arc, they allowed 17 of 34 shooting, which is 50%.

From three-point range, Texas Tech’s opponent shot 40%, making 9 of 22 attempts. They also sent them to the line 15 times, where they converted 12 free throws for 80%.

Betting Trends

• In their last three road games, Houston has averaged 70 points per game while allowing 60. The team’s record in this stretch was 3-0 while going 2-1 vs. the spread.
• Although Texas Tech has a straight up record of 6-4 in their last ten home games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 5-5. The team averaged 74 points per game in these games.
• The Red Raiders have played well in their last five games as the betting underdog, going 3-2 straight up and 3-2 against the spread.
• In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Cougars have a straight up record of 9-1 and an ATS mark of 6-4.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

Tonight is a huge game in the Big 12, as #9 Texas Tech hosts #5 ranked Houston. The Cougars are riding high, after a huge win over Iowa State on Saturday, and get right back to work vs a Texas Tech unit that cruised to an easy win over West Virginia. I see this game living up to the hype in a back-and-forth matchup, but I like Texas Tech to finish it off, and pick up a big win. I’m taking the Red Raiders at +114.