Houston Cougars vs West Virginia Mountaineers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/29/25
The Cougars and Mountaineers are set to face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Mountaineers will host the game at WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, WV. Houston come into this Big 12 conference matchup as the -7.5 favorite. The over/under line currently sits at 122.5 points.
HOUSTON COUGARS VS WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: West Virginia Mountaineers +7.5
This game will be played at WVU Coliseum at 7:00 ET on Wednesday, January 29th.
WHY BET THE WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-70 in favor of the Mountaineers.
- Not only will West Virginia pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +7.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 122.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 145 points.
Does Houston Have A Chance at WVU Coliseum?
Houston Cougars Recent Game/Games
The Cougars improved to 17-3 on the season with a 92-86 win over the Jayhawks on Saturday. Houston, who entered the game as slight -1 favorites, covered the spread with the victory.
After trailing 38-31 at halftime, Houston clamped down defensively in the second half, allowing just 28 points while scoring 35 of their own. The game’s total points of 178 went well over the pre-game O/U line of 127.5.
Houston’s offense put up 92 points in their last game, shooting 47.9% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 53.4%. They hit 56.2% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 32% (8/25). At the free-throw line, they connected on only 56% of their attempts, going 14/25.
J’Wan Roberts led the way with 24 points and 9 rebounds, while Flory Bidunga added 19 points on 70% shooting. Mylik Wilson was efficient, hitting 72.7% from the field, including 2/3 from three, and Rylan Griffen knocked down 5 of 6 threes, finishing with 17 points. Milos Uzan also contributed 17 points and 9 assists.
Houston’s defense struggled, giving up 86 points on 45% shooting from the field. They allowed 51% shooting on two-point attempts, with the opposing team hitting 21 of 41 shots.
From beyond the arc, Houston’s opponents shot 36%, making 9 of 25 three-point attempts. The Cougars also fouled enough to send the other team to the line 30 times, where they made 17 free throws.
Can West Virginia Lock in a Home Win?
West Virginia’s season record dropped to 13-6 after a 73-60 loss to Kansas State on Saturday. The Mountaineers entered the game as +2.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 133, just over the pre-game O/U line of 130.5.
West Virginia struggled early, trailing 42-18 at halftime. They showed resilience in the 2nd half, outscoring Kansas State 42-31, but the comeback effort fell short.
West Virginia struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 36.8% from the field and 19% from three-point range, hitting only 4 of 21 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 39.7%, and they managed to score 60 points, with 14 offensive rebounds and 14 assists.
Javon Small led the way with 22 points and 5 assists, shooting 50% from beyond the arc (3/6). Dug McDaniel contributed 15 points and 6 assists, while David N’Guessan added 14 points, hitting 62.5% of his shots. Max Jones was efficient, shooting 71.4% from the field and 66.7% from three-point range.
West Virginia’s defense gave up 73 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 47% from the field. They allowed 20 two-point baskets on 38 attempts, a 52% success rate.
From beyond the arc, the opposition hit 6 of 17 threes, shooting 35%. West Virginia also sent them to the line 22 times, where they made 15 free throws, a 68% clip. The Mountaineers gave up 12 offensive rebounds.