Memphis Tigers vs Houston Cougars Betting Prediction
When: Sunday, February 19th: 3:00 ET
Where: Fertitta Center Houston, TX
TV: ESPN
Point Spread: UM +13.5/UH -13.5 (Start saving money by betting games at -105 odds instead of -110 at BetAnySports Sportsbook!)
Total: 141.0
Money Line: Memphis Tigers +683/Houston Cougars -1110
Line Movement
On Sunday, February 19th at 3:00 ET, the Memphis Tigers (20-6 SU 9-14 ATS) will face off against the Houston Cougars (24-2 SU 16-10 ATS) at the Fertitta Center in Houston, TX. The game will be televised on ESPN. The point spread for the game is UM +13.5/UH -13.5, and the total is set at 141.0. The money line odds currently sit at Memphis Tigers +683 and Houston Cougars -1110.
Line Movement
There has been no movement on the spread line with, and opener the Houston -13.5 still holding. The total hit the board at 141 and climbed half a point to 141.5 on most boards.
Memphis is coming off a 64-63 win over UCF. However, they did not cover the spread in the game as -6 point favorites. The combined 127 points did not surpass the 149.5 total line.
Houston is coming off an 80-65 win over SMU. However, they did not cover the spread in the game as -15.5 point favorites. The combined 145 points finished above the 136 total line.
Current Form
Memphis
Over their last five games, Memphis has a straight-up record of 4-1 while going 1-2-2 vs. the spread. Over this stretch, the Tigers’ offense averages 83.6 points per game while hitting 52.2% of their shots from the field. On the defensive end of the floor, they have allowed opponents to shoot 45.5% from the field while allowing 75.8 points per contest.
Houston
In their previous five contests, Houston is 5-0 straight-up and 2-3 vs. the spread. In these five games, they have a scoring average of 77.2 points per game on a shooting percentage of 50.5%. Defensively, they allow teams to hit 38.9% of their shots while giving up 60.4 points per game.
Average Power Rating Of Opponents Played
This season, the combined power rating of Memphis’ opponents comes in at 81. On the other side, Houston’s combined opponent power rating sits at 80.3.
How Does Memphis Fare On The Road?
For the season, the Tigers have played nine road games and have a record of 5-4. In these contests, Memphis is 4-4 vs. the spread. Offensively, they have averaged 84.0 points per game on a shooting percentage of 46.1%. On defense, the Tigers are allowing 80.8 points per contest when playing away from home. So far, opposing teams have a field goal percentage of 42.9% in these games.
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How Does Houston Fare At Home?
In their 15 games at home, Houston has an 8-7 record vs. the spread while going 13-2 straight-up. On offense, the Cougars are shooting 46.0% on their home floor, leading to 76.5 points per game. Defensively, opponents are shooting 33.6% in these contests. The Houston defense is allowing 52.7 points per game at home.
Offense vs. Defense
For the season, Memphis is averaging 75.4 points per game (74th) while posting an overall field goal percentage of 47.1%. In today’s game, they will be matched up against a Houston defense that has allowed an average of 55.4 points per contest. This year, opponents have hit 35.7% of their shots vs. Houston. On the other side, the Houston Cougars are coming into the game averaging 75.8 points per game on a shooting percentage of 46.9%. The Cougars will be facing a defensive unit allowing an average of 73.0 points per contest. So far, teams have hit 40.3% of their shots vs. the Tigers.
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Three-Point Shooting
From beyond the arc, Memphis has a shooting percentage of 35.9% while ranking 594th in attempts per game. The Tigers will be facing a Houston defense that has a 3-point field goal shooting percentage allowed of 26.6%. Houston enters the game having hit 34.1% of their looks from deep while averaging 8.03 made 3’s per game. On the other end, Memphis has allowed opponents to hit 32.5% of their shots from beyond the arc.
Injuries Of Note
Memphis
- Kendric Davis (Questionable) Ankle
- Alex Lomax (Out) Groin
- Malcolm Dandridge (Out) Ankle
Houston
- Sadarius Bowser (Out) Personal
- Mylik Wilson (Out) Redshirt
- Ramon Walker Jr. (Out) Personal
- Terrance Arceneaux (Questionable) Ankle
Pick Against The Line
I’m going with the Over here. The Houston defense is tough, but they have allowed 65 or more in four of the last five, and that’s where I think Memphis will be today. The key will be the Tigers guard and leading scorer Kendric Davis who is nursing an ankle injury. He left the last game early, which, combined with the UCF’s solid defense (38th in team defensive efficiency), Memphis scored only 65 points. That broke off a scoring streak that saw them score 75 or more points in seven consecutive games. The Cougars’ offense isn’t as good as their top-ranked defense, but they have averaged 77.1 points per game in conference play, scoring in the 70s in all but one game. Take the Over 141.5
