Arkansas Razorbacks vs Houston Cougars NCAAB Betting Pick & Prediction for 12/20

The #14 Arkansas Razorbacks are set to play against the #8 Houston Cougars on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The game will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, and it is scheduled to start at 5:30 PM ET. This non-conference game will be broadcasted on CBS.
Arkansas comes into the game with a 9-2 record for the regular season. They have been strong at home with an 8-0 record but have struggled on the road at 1-2. Houston holds a 10-1 record, performing well both at home and away. Houston is favored to win with a -4.5 spread, while Arkansas is the underdog with a +4.5 spread.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs Houston Cougars Game Day Info
- Sport: College Basketball
- Teams: Arkansas Razorbacks vs Houston Cougars
- Venue: Prudential Center, Newark NJ
- Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
- Betting Odds: Houston Cougars -4.5 (-107), Arkansas Razorbacks +4.5 (-117)
Arkansas Razorbacks Team Preview
The Arkansas Razorbacks have been strong this season. They hold a 9-2 record and are ranked #14 in the AP poll. They have won all their home games but have a 1-2 record in away games.
In recent games, Arkansas has shown its offensive power. They scored 108 points against Queens (NC) Royals and 93 points against Texas Tech Red Raiders. Darius Acuff Jr. and Trevon Brazile have been standout players, with Acuff scoring 23 points against the Royals.
Arkansas averages 89.9 points per game, ranking them 20th in the nation. They make 9.3 three-pointers per game and have a strong free throw percentage of 77.4%. Their defense is also solid with 8.5 steals per game.
Houston Cougars Team Preview
The Houston Cougars have been strong at home this season. They hold an 8-1 home record, showcasing their ability to perform well on their own court. In their most recent game against the New Orleans Privateers, they won 99-57, with three players each scoring 15 points.
In terms of scoring, the Cougars average 78.2 points per game. They have a balanced offense, attempting 63.6 field goals per game, ranking 74th in attempts. Their three-point shooting also stands out, making 9.3 per game, which ranks them 101st.
The Cougars have a solid defense, limiting opponents effectively. They have allowed only 38 points against Jackson State Tigers and 57 against the New Orleans Privateers in recent games. The team maintains a strong AP ranking at #8, reflecting their consistent performances in the Big 12 conference.
BTB Betting Pick
The spread for the game has Houston favored by 4.5 points. Arkansas scores more points per game with 89.9 compared to Houston’s 78.2. Given Arkansas’s strong scoring ability, picking Arkansas +4.5 is a reasonable choice.
The over/under for the game is set at 143.5. Arkansas’s offensive stats suggest a high-scoring game, as they average 89.9 points per game. Houston’s slower pace might lower the total, but the projected score could still exceed 143.5. Taking the over at 143.5 is a good pick.