Number 2 Houston travels to Waco to face #11 Baylor on Saturday afternoon at 12:00 PM ET on CBS. Can the Bears cover the 2.5-point spread as home underdogs? Keep reading for our Houston vs. Baylor prediction.
The Houston Cougars are 23-3 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 12-12-2 ATS this season.
The Baylor Bears are 19-7 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 15-8-2 ATS this season.
Houston vs. Baylor Matchup & Betting Odds
607 Houston Cougars (-2.5) at 608 Baylor Bears (+2.5); o/u 134.5
12:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, February 24, 2024
Foster Pavilion, Waco, TX
TV: CBS
Houston vs. Baylor Public Betting Information
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 60% of public bettors are currently backing Houston when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Houston Cougars Game Notes
Cougars guard Jamal Shead had a big game in his team’s 73-65 home win over Iowa State on Monday night. The 6’1” senior scored 26 points on 6 of 10 shooting from the field, 2 of 3 from long range, and 12 of 13 from the free throw line. Shead is second on the team in scoring with 13.3 points per game this season.
Houston guard Emanuel Sharp was also solid in his club’s win on Monday. The sophomore from Tampa, Florida recorded 20 points, 4 steals, 2 made three-pointers, and a rebound in the victory.
Baylor Bears Game Notes
Baylor guard Langston Love is questionable for Saturday’s game due to a knee injury. Love is fourth on the team in scoring with 11.1 points per game this year. The Bears will likely elevate junior guard Jayden Nunn to the starting lineup if Love is unable to suit up this weekend.
Bears forward Jaylen Bridges was one of the team’s few bright spots in their 78-71 road loss to BYU on Tuesday night. In that game, Bridges led the team in scoring with 15 points and pulled down a team-high 8 rebounds. He shot 6 of 12 from the floor and 3 of 8 from beyond the arc in the defeat.
Houston vs. Baylor CBB Betting Trends
Houston is 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
The Cougars are 1-6 ATS as road favorites this season.
Baylor is 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Baylor is 8-4-1 ATS as the home team this season.
Houston vs. Baylor CBB Prediction:
The oddsmakers have been inflating Houston’s lines all season. Despite being 23-3 straight up this year, the Cougars are only 12-12-2 ATS in 2023-24. Houston has struggled to cover away from home as they are 1-6 ATS as the road team this season. What’s more, the Cougars are only 4-5 ATS with the rest advantage this year. Houston last played on Monday while Baylor’s last game was played on Tuesday.
The Bears have been great at bouncing back this season as they are 4-2 ATS after a loss on the campaign. Furthermore, Baylor is 5-2 ATS with the rest disadvantage and 7-5-1 ATS in Big 12 play this year. Baylor could really use a few more ranked wins on their resume and I think they have a golden opportunity to get one here. For the above reasons, I’m taking the Bears and the points at home in Waco on Saturday.