BYU Cougars vs Houston Cougars Prediction – 3/14/2025

The Big 12 Tournament semifinals are set to feature an exciting contest between the BYU Cougars and the Houston Cougars on March 14, 2025, at 7:00 pm Eastern Time. This matchup brings together two teams with impressive seasons, each aiming to secure a spot in the championship game.

BYU Cougars vs. Houston Cougars Game Preview

BYU enters the semifinals with a 24-8 record, having won their last nine games, including a 96-92 victory over Iowa State in the quarterfinals. Their offense has been potent, averaging 81.4 points per game, ranking them 29th nationally. Key contributors include Richie Saunders, who leads the team with 16.0 points per game, and Egor Demin, who adds 10.8 points and 5.6 assists per game.

Houston, boasting a 28-4 record, has been dominant throughout the season. They secured a 77-68 win over Colorado in the quarterfinals, marking their 12th consecutive victory. Houston's defense is formidable, allowing just 58.1 points per game, the best in the nation. Offensively, they average 74.2 points per game, with L.J. Cryer leading the scoring at 15.3 points per game, supported by Emanuel Sharp's 11.8 points per game.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, Houston is favored by 7.5 points, with the total points over/under set at 135.5. Bettors should consider the following factors:

• BYU's Recent Performance: BYU has covered the spread in eight of their last nine games, indicating strong form against expectations.
• Houston's Defensive Prowess: Houston's top-ranked defense could limit BYU's high-scoring offense, potentially affecting the total points scored.
• Injury Concerns: Houston's J'Wan Roberts, averaging 11.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, is questionable due to an ankle injury sustained in the quarterfinals.

BYU Cougars vs. Houston Cougars Prediction

This semifinal clash presents a compelling contrast between BYU's high-powered offense and Houston's stifling defense. While BYU's recent offensive surge is noteworthy, Houston's defensive consistency throughout the season cannot be overlooked. The potential absence or limited capacity of J'Wan Roberts could impact Houston's interior defense and rebounding, providing BYU with opportunities to exploit.

Considering these factors, the game is likely to be closely contested. Houston's defensive strength and experience in high-pressure situations give them a slight edge. However, BYU's momentum and offensive capabilities suggest they can keep the game within the spread. Therefore, the recommendation is to take BYU to cover the +7.5 point spread, with Houston advancing to the finals in a narrow victory.

Visit the NCAABB picks and predictions section for the rest of today's games.