Is 23.5 points too many to lay with the Cougars in Friday nights’ Longwood vs. Houston matchup at 9:20 p.m. ET? Or will the top-seeded Cougars roll against the Lancers in this first-round NCAA Tournament matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
773 Longwood Lancers (+23.5) vs. 774 Houston Cougars (-23.5); o/u 127.5
9:20 p.m. ET, Friday, March 22, 2024
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
TV: TNT
Longwood vs. Houston: Public Bettors Laying Points
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 66% 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.
Walker Given Hope for NCAA Tournament
Ramon Walker (knee) has a chance to be available for No. 1 Houston’s first-round game Friday against No. 16 Longwood, per Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports. According to Houston’s head coach Kelvin Sampson, Walker could be available if his injured knee gets cleared by the team’s head trainer. The junior being healthy would give UH some much-needed depth, considering it has already been depleted by other injuries. So between now and the Longwood game Friday, Walker’s availability status will be something to monitor.
Roberts Pushes Through in Defeat
J’Wan Roberts (knee) had two points (1-2 FG), three rebounds, one assist and one steal over 13 minutes during Saturday’s 69-41 loss to Iowa State. Roberts entered this contest questionable after suffering an apparent knee injury Friday against Texas Tech, where he only played seven minutes. While he was cleared to make the start Saturday, the senior forward was limited to just 13 minutes despite no foul trouble. He’ll now have some time to rest up before the NCAA Tournament next week, but if he doesn’t get back to 100 percent, look for freshman Cedric Lath to see more run, as well as Houston to deploy four-guard lineups more often.
Longwood vs. Houston CBB Betting Trends
Under is 4-1 in Cougars last 5 overall
Under is 4-1 in Cougars last 5 games as a favorite
Over is 6-2 in Lancers last 8 neutral site games
Over is 5-1 in Lancers last 6 games following a straight up win
Longwood vs. Houston CBB Prediction:
Take Houston. The Cougars are 57-26-1 against the spread in their last 84 games following an ATS loss, are 5-2-1 against the number in their last eight games versus a team with a winning percentage above .600 and are 7-3-1 at the betting window in their last 11 games as a favorite of 13 or greater.
Longwood vs. Houston College Hoops Prediction: HOUSTON COUGARS -23.5
