Memphis vs. Houston Betting Preview and Pick

Memphis will tip-off against Houston on Sunday, March 12th, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX. Memphis is the underdog, with Houston favored at -6. The total line is posted at 135. The college betting board lists the Memphis Tigers as +212, while the Houston Cougars have a money line of -268.

Line Movement

This game opened with the Houston Cougars as a -5.5 favorite, but has since risen to -6 on most boards. The total was originally offered at 135 points but has dropped to 134.5 at most shops, but there are a couple of sportsbooks offering 135.5, so shopping lines is key for O/U bettors.

Last Game Info

Memphis picked up a victory over Tulane by a score of 94-54. Heading into the game, the Tigers were favored to win, with a point spread of -6. The combined 148 points did not surpass the 162 total line.

Houston picked up a victory over Cincinnati by a score of 69-48. Heading into the game, the Cougars were favored to win, with a point spread of -9.5. The combined 117 points did not surpass the 135.5 total line.

Current Form

Memphis
Over their last five games, Memphis has a straight-up record of 4-1 while going 3-2 vs. the spread. Over this stretch, the Tigers’ offense averages 79.4 points per game while hitting 45.3% of their shots from the field. On the defensive end of the floor, they have allowed opponents to shoot 39.7% from the field while allowing 66.4 points per contest.

Houston
In their previous five contests, Houston is 5-0 straight-up and 1-3-1 vs. the spread. In these five games, they have a scoring average of 71.0 points per game on a shooting percentage of 43.3%. Defensively, they allow teams to hit 37.0% of their shots while giving up 56.4 points per game.

Average Power Rating Of Opponents Played

This season, the combined power rating of Memphis’ opponents comes in at 82.2. On the other side, Houston’s combined opponent power rating sits at 80.6.

Offense vs. Defense

For the season, Memphis is averaging 75.4 points per game (74th) while posting an overall field goal percentage of 47.1%. In today’s game, they will be matched up against a Houston defense that has allowed an average of 55.9 points per contest. This year, opponents have hit 36.3% of their shots vs. Houston. Conversely, the Houston Cougars are coming into the game averaging 75.8 points per game on a shooting percentage of 46.9%. The Cougars will be facing a defensive unit allowing an average of 72.2 points per contest. So far, teams have hit 40.6% of their shots vs. the Tigers.

Three-Point Shooting

From beyond the arc, Memphis has a shooting percentage of 35.9% while ranking 594th in attempts per game. The Tigers will be facing a Houston defense that has a 3-point field goal shooting percentage allowed of 27.8%. Houston enters the game having hit 34.1% of their looks from deep while averaging 8.03 made 3’s per game. On the other end, Memphis has allowed opponents to hit 31.1% of their shots from beyond the arc.

Injuries Of Note

Memphis

• Keonte Kennedy (Out) Hand
• Jahmar Young Jr. (Out) Eligibility

Houston

• Marcus Sasser (Questionable) Groin
• Mylik Wilson (Out) Redshirt
• Ramon Walker Jr. (Out) Personal

Pick Against The Spread

I like Memphis here. They did lose both contests against Houston this season, but one was by eight on the road and the other by two at home, and they got the spread cover in both. Additionally, the Cougars’ leading scorer, Marcus Sasser, will be a game-time decision, and even if he goes, he may be a little tentative. Take the Memphis Tigers +6