The Big 12 Conference is loaded with some great college basketball teams, and two of those teams are set to meet on Monday night. It will be an in-state rivalry as the Houston Cougars are set to visit the Texas Longhorns in a new rivalry.
Houston is coming into this game with a record of 18-2, and they are one of the betting favorites to win the national championship. The Cougars have rattled off four straight wins, and they have a ton of momentum ahead of this game.
Texas has been a tough team to figure out this season as they are sitting at just 14-6 on the year. The Longhorns have gone just 2-3 in their last five games, and they need to find a way to get on a roll again.
The Houston Cougars are 5.5-point betting favorites on the road on Monday night.
Cougars Can Really Defend
The Houston Cougars seem to play the same way every season, and they are always looking to set the tone on defense. Houston is allowing less than 52 points per game this season, and they have been shutting teams down all season long.
Not only has Houston been able to set the tone on defense this season, but they have also been able to score enough points to win games. Houston is scoring over 74 points per game this season, and they have proven that they can be explosive.
L.J. Cryer has been the best offensive player this season as he is leading the way with 15.2 points per game. Houston will have to make shots on the road to win this game at Texas.
Texas Wants to Play Fast
The Texas Longhorns can’t afford to let Houston set the tone in this game, and they will be looking to push the tempo. Texas was to score points on offense, but they also must find a way to get some stops.
The Longhorns are scoring 76.8 points per game this season, and they are shooting better than 48 percent from the floor. Max Abmas is scoring over 17 points per game to lead Texas and he can score from anywhere.
Texas will have to defend in this game, and they have allowed just 67.9 points per game so far this season.
Longhorns Lose Close Game
Even though the Houston Cougars have been the better overall team this season, life on the road in the Big 12 Conference is never easy. The Cougars are going to be looking to play great defense in this game, but Texas is talented enough to score.
Texas just hasn’t been able to play with any consistency this season, and that is something to keep an eye on in this game. The Longhorns should be able to keep this game close, but ultimately Houston will come up with the winning plays.
Taking the 5.5 points and backing Texas is the pick to make, but Houston is going to pick up a big win on the road.
