The Texas Tech Red Raiders (22-9) travel to face off against the Houston Cougars (28-3) on Friday, March 15th. This game will be played at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City and televised on ESPN. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 7:00 ET.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Houston Cougars
The Texas Tech Red Raiders Are Coming Off A Win
Despite being the underdog, Texas Tech has been solid on the road this season, going 7-7 compared to their 15-2 mark at home. They have won three in a row, including a 78-68 victory over Baylor in their last game.
On the season, the Red Raiders have an overall record of 22-9, including an 11-7 mark in Big 12 play. Over their last 10 road games, they have gone 5-5, and their average scoring margin on the road is -0.1 points per game.
As the underdog this season, Texas Tech has gone just 3-6-1 vs. the spread. On the road, the Red Raiders are 6-7-1 ATS, including a 2-1 mark in their last three games as the visiting team. Overall, Texas Tech has an ATS record of 14-16-1 this year.
Today’s over/under line of 132.5 is lower than the average over/under line in Texas Tech’s games this season (140.3). This year, 27 of their games have had a higher over/under line than today’s line. In their last three games, the over/under record is 0-3, and the average scoring total in those games is 142 points.
The Houston Cougars Are Coming Off A Win
Entering tonight’s game, Houston has been dominant at home this season, as they are a perfect 18-0. Over their last 10 games at home, the Cougars have gone 10-0, and their average scoring margin at home is +27.0 points per game.
On the other hand, Texas Tech has gone 8-3 on the road this season, and they have a road scoring margin of +2.5 points per game. The Red Raiders have won three straight games on the road.
As the favorite, Houston has gone 13-13-2 against the spread this season. In their last 10 games as the favorite, the Cougars have an ATS mark of 4-4-2. At home, Houston’s ATS record is 11-6-1 this year and they are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games at home.
So far this season, the over/under record for Houston games is 12-17. The average scoring total in their games is 130.8 points, which is lower than the average over/under line of 133. Over their last three games, the average scoring total is 117 points.
Texas Tech Offense Breakdown
In their recent matchup, the Texas Tech offense ended with 78 points against Baylor. They finished with an overall field goal percentage of 49.1% and made 7 threes. Offensively, the Red Raiders hold a season-long field goal percentage of 45%, placing them 161st in the national rankings. When it comes to three-pointers, they are ranked 77th in terms of percentage and 71st in three-pointers made.
| Name | PPG | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pop Isaacs (G) | 16.1 | 3.2 | 3.5 |
| Joe Toussaint (G) | 12.2 | 2.6 | 4.3 |
| Darrion Williams (G) | 11.6 | 7.6 | 2.4 |
Houston Offense Breakdown
The Cougars’ offense finished with 76 points in their previous game, mirroring their current average of 74.2 points per contest. In terms of offense, the Cougars have a season-long field goal percentage of 43%, putting them 270th in the NCAA. Regarding three-pointers, they are ranked 143rd in percentage and 158th in three-pointers made.
| Name | PPG | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|
| LJ Cryer (G) | 15.7 | 2.4 | 1.9 |
| Jamal Shead (G) | 13.2 | 3.9 | 6.2 |
| Emanuel Sharp (G) | 12.3 | 3.8 | 0.9 |
Texas Tech Team Defense
So far, the Red Raiders’ defense is ranked 91st in the country at 69.0 points per contest. On average, opposing teams are hitting 7.3 threes per game vs. Houston. This has come on three-point shooting percentage of 32.7%.
Houston Team Defense
In the current season, the Houston defense has excelled, sitting 1st in the nation by allowing 56.9 points per game. In their most recent game, the Houston defense struggled to defend the three-point line, as Kansas knocked down 11 three-pointers on their way to 46 points.
Red Raiders vs Cougars Trends
- When looking at their past five road matchups, Texas Tech has an ATS record of 2-2-1 while averaging 72 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
- Although Houston has a straight up record of 7-3 in their last ten home games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 2-7-1. The team averaged 70 points per game in these games.
- As the betting underdog, the Red Raiders have an ATS mark of just 1-2 in their last three games. Texas Tech posted a straight up mark of 1-2 in these matchups.
- Against the spread, the Cougars have put together of 2-3 in their last five games as the betting favorite. In these same games, they went 5-0 straight up.
Red Raiders vs Cougars Prediction
We’re putting our money on the Cougars to win, and have the projected score sitting at 77-67. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Cougars at -8.5.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 132.5, and our model projects the Red Raiders and Cougars to reach a combined total of 144 points. Our bet is on taking the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:March 15, 2024 Houston Cougars, Texas Tech Red Raiders