Houston vs Alabama College Basketball Picks: Bet on Cougars (-175) Outright November 26

Teams that entered the season with national championship aspirations square off in Sin City on Tuesday night when Houston takes on Alabama in the Players Era Festival. The teams have faltered in the early going against top-caliber competition, but now have the chance to add a signature non-conference victory to their resume.

Houston is favored to win with a college basketball line of 4 points.

Houston vs Alabama Game Information

• Game: Houston Cougars (3-1) vs Alabama Crimson Tide (4-1)
• Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV
• Date/Time: Nov. 26, 8 p.m.
• Houston vs Alabama Live Stream: TBS

Check updated Houston vs Alabama injuries here.

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3 Houston vs Alabama College Basketball Predictions for Nov 26

1. Bet The Over

The showdown being between one of the top offenses and top defenses in the country poses a dilemma for the college basketball oddsmakers in regards to the over/under. The BetUS Sportsbook currently has the number set at 150. In five games this year, Alabama has exceeded that number four times. On the other hand, that number has yet to be reached in Houston’s four contests thus far.

After scraping by McNeese State and losing to Purdue, the Crimson Tide got a much needed “get right” game against Illinois, scoring 100 against the then-ranked team en route to a double-digit victory. It’s unlikely they will maintain that pace as Houston is second-best in the nation in yielding just over 50 points per contest. But on the other side of the coin, Alabama has not been good defensively, allowing 78 points per game. And Houston has been no slouch, offensively, averaging almost 86 points. Though Houston has been a defensive juggernaut, we believe Alabama’s strong offense, and poor defense alike, will lead to both teams narrowly exceeding the 150 point total.

Bet on Alabama vs Houston over 150

2. Take Houston on the Moneyline

Alabama dominated Illinois in spite of superstar Mark Sears being non-existent. Known as a strong scorer and stat-sheet stuffer, the second-team All-American went scoreless on five field goal attempts while only recording one rebound and two assists.

The NBA draft prospect still averages nearly 14 points but has done so on less than 40% shooting from the floor and less than 30% from 3-point range. The Crimson Tide will need Spears to break through the stout Cougars’ defense. But it is stretch-big Grant Nelson that leads the team in scoring, being effective from both the floor and 3-point range.

As for Houston Cougars, they do not have a dominant scorer, but are anchored by depth, with all eight players playing more than 15 minutes per game averaging at least seven points. It is shockingly more efficient from behind the arc than from the floor, connecting on 48.8% of attempted 3, best in the nation.

Kelvin Sampson’s squad has yet to shoot below 38% from 3 in any of its four contests. That number is thanks in part to junior guard Emanuel Sharp, who is third in the nation, knocking down better than 73% of his looks from deep. We believe Houston’s “three-and-D” style of play is just what they need to take down a team such as the Crimson Tide and believe they will avoid a second loss of the season.

Bet on Houston moneyline vs Alabama (-175)

3. Houston To Cover Spread

While both teams have been incredibly successful straight-up in recent games, dating back to last season, Houston has had far more success against the college basketball spread in 2024. The Cougars’ only against the spread loss came in their straight-up setback to Purdue. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide are 2-3 ATS this season, including failing to cover against McNeese State and Arkansas State.

We believe the key to Houston potentially covering again will be to put pressure on Sears and force other Crimson Tide players to pick up the slack, where its deep defense can do the talking. Take Houston to cover the 4½-point college basketball spread.

Bet Houston -4 vs Alabama (-110)

Houston vs Alabama Score Prediction

Houston 80, Alabama 75

Questions of the Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.