Houston vs Duke March Madness Lines for the Game: South Region Lines

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The first NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game from the Midwest Region on Friday night features No. 5 Miami, the ACC regular-season champion, against No. 1 Houston, the AAC regular-season champ. The Cougars are solid favorites on the NCAAB odds.

Sweet 16: No. 5 Miami vs. No. 1 Houston | 2023 NCAA Tournament Analysis

How to Bet Miami vs. Houston NCAA Basketball Odds & TV Info

When: Friday, 7:15 PM ET
Where: T-Mobile Center, Kansas City
TV: CBS
Stream: https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live
Radio: Tunein.com
Opening NCAAB Lines: Houston -7.5 (total 138)

Why Bet on Miami?

The Hurricanes (27-7) were very impressive in an 85-69 rout of No. 4 Indiana to advance. Fifth-seeded Miami, an Elite Eight team a year ago and rated among the top nation’s top scoring squads, unleashed a full-throttle offensive and defensive attack that IU couldn’t contain. Miami dominated in rebounding (48-31), points in the paint (46-28) and second-chance points (29-11).

After falling behind by as many as 13 points in the first half, Indiana gave itself a chance with a 13-0 run to end the first half and start the second. Miami turned it back with a 16-2 run midway through the second half to take control it never lost.

Fourth-year junior guard Isaiah Wong scored a game-high 27 points for the Canes – he was the ACC Player of the Year. Wong’s 27-point performance, good for the co-fourth-most by a Hurricane in the NCAA Tournament, came on a 9-of-17 shooting from the field, including a 4-of-6 mark from deep, along with a perfect 5-of-5 line on free throws. Fifth-year senior guard Jordan Miller amassed 19 points on 9-of-16 shooting, adding five rebounds and two blocks.

Third-year sophomore forward Norchad Omier scored seven points and pulled down a game-high 17 rebounds to break the program’s NCAA Tournament single-game record he set two days prior and post the top total by a Hurricane in any regulation game since November 2018.

After suffering an injury in Miami’s ACC Tournament semifinal loss to Duke, Omier has returned to grab 31 rebounds in the Canes’ two NCAA Tournament games. His presence inside on both ends of the floor will again be key for Miami on Friday. Guard Wooga Poplar has averaged 10.5 points per game in this tournament. He hurt his back against Indiana but is expected to play Friday.

Miami moved to 13-11 all-time in the NCAA Tournament, including 9-5 under Jim Larranaga. This is the first time in program history Miami has reached the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in consecutive seasons. Three of Miami’s last four NCAA Tournament wins are by at least 14 points, with both Round of 32 victories—each against a higher-seeded team—over the last two seasons by 16-plus points.

The Hurricanes have outplayed their NCAA Tournament seed each of the last two years after previously doing so just once in program history (2000 Sweet 16 as a sixth seed). Larranaga now owns 723 victories in his 39-year career, tying Jerry Slocum for No. 31 on the all-time wins list (min. five years at a Division I school).

An upset Friday would not be the first time that a Larranaga-coached team upsets a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. When he was at George Mason, his team upset the No. 1 UConn in the Elite Eight in 2006.

“Houston’s much more like a mirror image of us size-wise,” Larranaga said. “They’re not overly tall but what they are is thicker. They outweigh us probably at every position except Norchad (Omier). What that means is the physicality of the game is going to be very important.”

Overall, the Canes have won 11 of their last 13 games on the strength of a dynamic offense, averaging 81.3 points per game over that stretch.

Why Bet on Houston?

The Cougars (33-3) rallied past No. 9 Auburn 81-64 to advance as they trailed by 10 at the half. The Cougars’ backcourt trio of Marcus Sasser, Jamal Shead and Tramon Mark, who average 37.3 points between them, sparked the comeback. Mark had a career-high 26 points and Sasser, a first-team All-America selection, had 22 points and hit five three-pointers. Houston improved to 17-1 in road and neutral-site games this season.

Sasser, who has wrestled with a groin injury for the past two weeks, and Shead, who had to play through a knee injury, both said Thursday that they’ll be ready to play against the Hurricanes as a week of rest has helped both players. With Shead and Sasser on the court together this season, Houston has held opponents to just 87 points per 100 possessions.

“I’ve just been doing a good job getting treatment, massages, stretches,” said Sasser, who missed all or parts of three of the past four games for the 1-seeded Cougars. “I’d say I’ll probably be around 90 percent by Friday, so I’ve been getting healthy.”

UH is the second overall seed for a reason – the Cougars have won 15 of their last 16 games, boast five players who average double figures and rank in the nation’s Top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

Houston leads the nation in field-goal percentage defense (36.1), scoring margin (+18.3) and winning percentage (91.4) ranks second in scoring defense (56.3) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (27.3), stands among the Top 10 in rebounding margin (+7.3, 7th) and is among the Top 25 in turnover margin (+3.9, 13th), turnovers (10.1, 16th), assist-turnover ratio (1.46, 17th), offensive rebounding (12.7, 17th), rebounding (38.9, 19th) and blocked shots (4.7, 25th).

Houston owns a 9-5 lead against Miami (Fla.) in the series, which began during the 1955-56 season. Friday will be the first meeting since a 99-93 Houston win in Miami on Feb. 20, 1971. It will be the first time UM coach Jim Larranaga has faced Houston coach Kelvin Sampson during their careers.

Houston will want to keep Friday’s game mostly in the half court, while Miami will hope to get opportunities in transition. Neither team is overly big, but Houston is one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the country and Miami just grabbed 20 offensive boards against Indiana.

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MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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The well-rested Duke Blue Devils will look to take care of business at home when they host the Pittsburgh Panthers in their annual ACC matchup on Tuesday night. With eighth-ranked Duke looking to record consecutive wins and Pittsburgh to record their second upset in their last four games, let’s find out which team is offering the best value against their college basketball betting odds.

Pittburgh vs Duke 2020 College Basketball Lines & TV Info

When: Tuesday January 28, 2020, 9:00 PM (EST)
Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, NC
TV: ESPN
Radio: Pittsburgh / Duke
College Basketball Odds: Duke -16.5 / Total: 138

Why Bet On Pittsburgh?

The Panthers might be coming off a humbling 69-61 road loss against Syracuse on Saturday while failing to cover the spread as a 6-point road dog, there are still some good reasons to believe Pittsburgh can at least cover the chalk in this matchup. Prior to their most recent result, the Panthers had won two straight in beating North Carolina 66-52 and Boston College 74-72 in their last two games.

Then, there’s the fact that the Panthers have a pretty elite defense that limits the opposition to just 62.1 points per game to rank 30th nationally in points allowed. Pittsburgh ranks 89t in defensive field goal percentage allowed (40.8%) and the Panthers have beaten once, perennially-powerful North Carolina – twice this season. Four players average double figures in scoring for the Panthers, led by sophomore shooting guard Trey McGowens (13.1 ppg).

Why Bet On Duke?

The Blue Devils emphatically snapped their two-game losing streak by pounding the snot out of Miami en route to a commanding 89-59 blowout win exactly one week ago on Jan. 21 as freshman Matthew Hurt posted a career-high 22 points including 15 in the first half.

“They really responded to the two losses in a positive way. Our practices yesterday were excellent. Our team meetings – I think we grew a lot as a team and I think it showed today,” head coach Mike Krzyzewski said afterward. “We just concentrated more on (defense). In our six wins, we’ve given up (an average of less than) 60 points. In the two losses, we gave up (an average of 72.5). We talked to our team about that. For us to win we have to play good defense.”

Duke is also well-rested and probably roaring to go in this one, not to mention the fact that they’ve owned Pittsburgh by going 6-1 against the Panthers since they joined the ACC. Then, there’s the fact that the Blue Devils have a high-powered offense that ranks fourth nationally in scoring (82.9 ppg) while their defense limits the opposition to just 63.9 points per contest to rank an encouraging 53rd nationally in points allowed.

Pittsburgh vs Duke Expert Analysis and Prediction

While Duke is clearly the better team in this matchup, I can see why a convincing 59 percent of public bettors are backing Pittsburgh in this affair. Despite their 30-point blowout win against Miami, the Blue Devils are just 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points while the road team in this ACC rivalry has gone a perfect 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.

More importantly, I like Pittsburgh’s stingy defense and they way they’ve competed recently despite splitting their last six games. While I’m certainly not going to pick the Panthers for the outright road upset, I do think the 16.5-point spread is a bit too much for the Blue Devils to cover. Duke wins, but Pittsburgh covers the chalk!

Pick: Duke 74 Pittsburgh 65

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The #11 Texas Tech Red Raiders battle the #2 Duke Blue Devils at Madison Square Garden in New York on Thursday night in one of the top college basketball matchups of the week. The Red Raiders will look to jump into the Top 10 while the Blue Devils look to impress yet again. Will Texas Tech pull off the major upset? Or, will the Dookies win and cover?

Texas Tech vs Duke NCAAB Odds & Game Prediction

When: Thursday, Dec. 20 at 7:00 pm ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV: ESPN 2
Radio: Texas Tech
Live Stream: WatchESPN
ATS Odds: Duke -8 (-110)
Over/Under Total Odds: 146 (-110)

Why #11 Texas Tech Red Raiders are a good bet at +8?

Undefeated at 10-0, Texas Tech’s already shown that they’re one of the top teams in the nation. Although they’re not ranked in the Top 10 yet, they most definitely could be after their game versus the Blue Devils on Thursday night.

Texas Tech rank first in points allowed per game. Opponents average 51.2 points per. With their defense leading the way, Texas Tech figures to give Duke all they can handle.

Why #2 Duke Blue Devils are a good bet at -8?

The Blue Devils’ lone loss this season happened versus the best team on the west coast, the Gonzaga Bulldogs, on a neutral court. The Zags beat the Devils 89-87. Save for the loss to Gonzaga, Duke’s been unreal this season.

Duke’s gone 7-4 against the spread. That’s not bad considering they faced a 42.5 spread against Stetson and a 24.5 spread against Yale. Duke will look at the 8 points and laugh.

Texas Tech vs Duke Final NCAAB Betting Analysis

The real key in this game is whether Duke’s up and down style will have success against Texas Tech’s lock down defense. The Red Raiders are the best defensive team in college basketball. Virginia might be slightly better, but T-Tech is right up there.

Duke, with freshman stars like Zion Williamson, want to push the pace. That could be their problem on Thursday night. If the Dookies can’t run and gun, they’ll play right into Texas Tech’s hands. Taking the points makes sense because Texas Tech’s great at cutting down possessions. The Red Raiders cover.

NCAAB Betting Pick: Texas Tech Red Raiders +8

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he Lamar Cardinals will look to pull off the huge upset over No. 15 Houston when they take to the field at TDECU Stadium in Houston on Saturday. The spread and College Basketball betting odds for this mismatch have not been released yet, although, oddmakers will surely expect Houston to win by a large margin, so don’t be surprised if the Cougars get a crazy spread for this weekend affair. In the meantime, let’s review how both teams are doing and get into some betting analysis heading to this match.

Lamar vs Houston Week 2 College Basketball Betting Analysis

When: Saturday, September 10, 2016, 12:00
Where: TDECU Stadium
TV: ESPN3
Audio: http://klvi.iheart.com

Bet The Lamar Cardinals Because…

Lamar got spanked in their humbling 38-14 season opening loss against Coastal Carolina last weekend. After holding the Chanticleers to a paltry three points in the first half, Lamar gave up 35 second half points while getting shut out.

“I like the energy that we played with in the opening half,” said Lamar head coach Ray Woodard. “I liked our mindset at halftime, and the way we started the third quarter. We had the ball and we were driving in the third quarter and I thought if we could punch it in here we can really start to disrupt what they want to do offensively. All of a sudden an interception, the ball goes the other way and we couldn’t overcome it. I wasn’t particularly happy with any of our three phases of the game after that.”

Bet The Houston Cougars Because…

The Houston Cougars rolled all over No. 3 Oklahoma in its 33-23 regular season opener last weekend as quarterback Greg Ward Jr. completed 23 of 40 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns and running back Duke Catalon added 88 rushing yards on 22 carries.

“We were prepared to win. We expected to win. We train to win,” Herman said. “It wasn’t about making a statement, it was about going 1-0 the first week of the season.”

The Cougars only allowed the Sooners to score six second half points in the commanding win.

Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction

Lamar is 0-5 SU in is last five games and an identical 0-5 SU in its last five road games. Conversely, Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games, 4-2 SU in its last six home dates and a blistering 15-1 SU in its last 16 games overall. The Cougars will win this contest going away!

My Pick: Houston 63 Lamar 14

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This is the part of the college basketball betting season where we get to see some rather unconventional match-ups in NCAA basketball, as all the teams continue playing non-conference foes. The big games are coming soon, but there are still some great betting opportunities out there until conference play begins. Duke will welcome in Georgia Southern from the Sun Belt on Tuesday, as they get back into action after an extended layoff.

A Closer Look At The Georgia Southern vs Duke College Basketball Betting Preview & TV Info

Date: Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Cameron Indoor Stadium

Betting on the Duke Blue Devils

Duke (8-1) are once again among the favorites to win it all this year, but they have already been served notice by Kentucky, who beat the 74-63 in the very early part of the season. Despite that loss, Duke still find themselves atop the ACC standings, although they have some good company in these early stages. This is a game that the Blue Devils should have no problem winning, but there is always the possibility that they could come out a little bit rusty after a 9-day layoff. These games really serve as nothing more than a warm-up before Duke begins ACC play at the turn of the year. They seem to be rounding into form nicely, especially on defense, where they have held their last 3 opponents under 40% shooting. They are going to have to maintain that once conference play begins, as there are a number of teams who have some high-powered offenses that could pose some problems for Duke.

Betting on the Georgia Southern Eagles

The Georgia Southern Eagles (3-4) are in way over their heads in this one, and already have some pretty lopsided defeats on their schedule against teams that are a lot less talented than Duke. On paper, the 85 PPG that Georgia Southern are averaging looks pretty impressive, but the majority of those points were racked up against inferior opposition, including 116 points against Webber Int. and 104 points against Bob Jones. Take those two games out of the equation and you are left with a team that should really not be much of an offensive threat for Duke to handle. There has been a pretty long layoff for the Eagles, too, as their last outing was on December 2 when they fell 76-67 to Savannah State.

Georgia Southern-Duke Game Analysis and Key Betting Trends

The only question that really has to be answered in this match-up is how many points Duke are going to win by. They have had a pretty comfortable time of things since losing to Kentucky earlier in the season. It should be more of the same here, and I like the Blue Devils to win by somewhere in the 25-30 point range.

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There is still some work to be done before all the teams dive head first into NCAA Basketball betting conference play in January. The reigning champion Duke Blue Devils look to have a bit of a tricky encounter on Saturday, December 19 when the will have to face the Utah Utes at Madison Square Garden in New York. Tip-off is set for 12:00 PM EST on ESPN.

How to bet Utah Utes Vs Duke Blue Devils NCAA Hoops

As the reigning champions, the Duke Blue Devils are almost always going to be considered the favorite in every game. You can get them straight up in this one. Utah are a tough opponent and may be able to cover the spread. Both of these teams are good offensively, and could well combine to go OVER the total.

Why bet on the Utah Utes

The Utah Utes are a very respectable 8-2 on the season so far, but this will be their first game against a ranked opponent. This will be their 3rd game of the season at a neutral site, and they will be hard pressed to break the 1-1 record they have in those 2 games. The Utes had a big win in their last start, which may be good news given that they are 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 games following a SU win of 20 points or more. They are also 45-21-4 ATS in their last 70 games versus an opponent with a winning percentage of .600 or better. This season is not as impressive, though, as the Utes are 2-5 ATS so far. Utah averages 80.6 PPG and gives up 71.4 PPG.

Why bet on the Duke Blue Devils

The only loss that the 9-1 Duke Blue Devils have taken this season came at the hands of the #2 ranked Kentucky Wildcats. Georgetown gave them a little bit of a scare, too, but other than that, Duke have been playing like champions. While they are just 4-5-0 ATS this season, they are a much more respectable 7-1 ATS in games after covering in their previous game. Duke has also gone 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a straight up win. In Duke’s neutral site games, the UNDER has gone 21-7 in the last 28. Duke are averaging 87.3 PPG this season, and are giving up 67.9 PPG.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

These two teams last met back in March in the Sweet Sixteen of the Tournament, and it was Duke who came away with the 63-57 win. I like Duke to get the win again, although I think we will see ore scoring this time around.

Utah Utes 65 Duke Blue Devils 75

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The reigning NCAAB lines champions are looking to get back to the big game this season, and have gotten things off to a pretty decent start in their defense of the title. The Duke Blue Devils have another home game at the Cameron Indoor Arena coming up on Monday, December 28, and it is the Elon Phoenix who will be their visitors. The tip-off for this one is set for 8 PM EST on ESPNU.

Elon Vs Duke Blue College Basketball Betting Preview

You always expect the champions to come out on top in games like this, but you also have to expect that their opponents will raise their game to a higher level in order to try and dethrone them. That makes this one a very interesting proposition, and is just one of the many reasons why you should return to MyBookie.ag and take a look at the odd once they go live.

Why bet on the Elon Phoenix

While I understand that Elon have not had the most glamorous schedule in the world, you still have to be somewhat impressed by their 9-3 start to the season. This is a team that is not going to be a pushover, so Duke had better tread a little carefully here. This is a team that does a good job of covering, as they have managed to do so in 4 of their 5 games that were available to bet on. It should be noted that the one time they failed to cover this season was against a ranked Michigan team. The OVER hit on 3 of those 5 games, including the one against Michigan. Elon is averaging 80.4 PPG, and are giving up 77.5 PPG.

Why bet on the Duke Blue Devils

Duke (9-2) are going to have to find a way to pick themselves up after a surprise OT loss at the hands of the Utah Utes. Prior to that, the only other loss that Duke had taken was against #2 ranked Kentucky in the very early part of the season. Duke are just 4-6-0 ATS this season, but all 4 of the games in which they covered came on home court. They started the season 0-4-0 ATS, so it’s easy to see which direction this trend is heading. The OVER/UNDER for Duke is split right down the middle at 5-5-0, and they are also 3-3-0 O/U at home. The Blue Devils are averaging 86.2 PPG, and are giving up 69.6 PPG.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

The Elon Phoenix could well end up being the team that has to deal with the chip that Duke is carrying on its shoulder after an unexpected loss. This should be a comfortable win for the Blue Devils on home court.

My Prediction: Elon Phoenix 64 Duke Blue Devils 79