The SMU Mustangs (6-8, 1-0 American) battle the No. 2 Houston Cougars (14-1, 2-0) Thursday. Tip from Fertitta Center is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the SMU vs. Houston'odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Houston beat Central Florida 71-65 Saturday, failing to cover as 15.5-point home favorites. The Cougars are 10-5 against the spread (ATS) this season and have a strong 9-1 straight up at home with their only loss coming against Alabama on Dec. 10. Houston has covered 3 of its last 4 outings and is the best defensive team in the nation, ranking No. 1 in opponents’ points per game (50.9) and opponents’ field goal percentage (33.2%).
SMU crushed Tulsa 92-67 Sunday, covering the spread as an 8-point home favorite. The Mustangs have covered 5 in a row, 3 of which came at a neutral court, pushing their season-long record to 6-8 ATS. SMU’s strength is in its defense, ranking 120th in the nation in opponents’ field goal percentage (41.7%).