The New Orleans Privateers (3-7) are set to face off against the No. 8 Houston Cougars (9-1) on Saturday at Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas, with tip-off scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on ESPN+. This matchup has sparked interest, particularly when analyzing the odds released by BetMGM Sportsbook. Historically, Houston leads the series with a record of 3-1, including a victory in their last encounter on November 29, 2017, where the Cougars triumphed 75-66 at home.
The Privateers recently broke a six-game losing streak with a thrilling 84-83 victory against an opponent last Monday, overcoming a 1.5-point underdog status. Guard TJ Cope was instrumental in this victory, finishing the game with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Prior to this win, New Orleans had struggled, going just 1-5 against the spread during their losing streak.
In contrast, Houston comes into this game riding a wave of momentum, having convincingly defeated Jackson State 80-38 as a 40.5-point favorite in their latest outing. Emanuel Sharp shone in that game, scoring 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including 5-of-8 from three-point range. The Cougars have now secured three straight victories and have successfully covered the spread in their last two games, marking a significant improvement in their performance.
The current betting odds indicate a significant challenge for New Orleans, with the Privateers listed as 34.5-point underdogs. Despite this, they have shown some promise with an impressive offensive effort in their recent game, although Houston’s hard-nosed defensive strategy is expected to pose a serious obstacle.
Experts predict a dominant performance from the Cougars, forecasting a final score of 91 to 54 in favor of Houston. This confidence in Houston’s capabilities stems from their strong defensive record, particularly against teams struggling with scoring efficiency. New Orleans has consistently allowed over 80 points in recent games, and the Cougars will likely exploit this weakness.
For those interested in the betting lines, New Orleans is listed at +34.5 and Houston at -34.5, with an over/under set at 140.5. Given the trends exhibited by both teams, the OVER 140.5 may present a valuable opportunity, especially as New Orleans has seen higher-scoring games lately.
This matchup not only underlines the exciting dynamics of college basketball but also showcases the potential for upsets, reminding fans that anything can happen on the court. As the teams prepare to clash, fans will be eager to see if the Privateers can leverage their recent momentum against the formidable Cougars.