The Jackson State Tigers (2-6) and Houston Cougars (9-0) meet Saturday at Fertitta Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Jackson State vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
The Tigers play in another “buy game”, where Jackson State is paid to play a high-ranked opponent on its court. Coach Mo Williams has taken his team everywhere this season, including trips to Memphis, several smaller California schools, Tulsa, Missouri, Georgetown and Arkansas State.
Jackson State scored one of the biggest upsets of the season as a 22-point underdog, winning 73-72 at Mizzou on Nov. 19. In fact, JSU has won 2 of the past 3 games, while covering 3 in a row. The Tigers have yet to play a home game this season, and have seen the total go low in 3 of the past 4 outings.
Houston has rocketed up the polls, and its top wins are over Utah, Dayton and Xavier to date. The Cougars belted Rice 75-39 at Fertitta Center on Wednesday, and Houston has won its 1st 5 home games by at least 31 points, with an average margin of victory of 37.4 points per game (PPG). The Under is 8-1 overall for the Cougars.