The Houston Cougars take on the Arizona Wildcats in Tucson, Arizona. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Houston is favored by 2 points on the spread with a moneyline of -135. The total is set at 138 points.
Here are my Houston vs. Arizona predictions and college basketball picks for February 15, 2025.
Houston vs Arizona Prediction
My Pick: Under 138 (Play to 135.5)
My Houston vs Arizona best bet is on the under, with the best odds currently available at Caesars. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Houston vs Arizona Odds, Spread
| Houston Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -115 | 138 -110o / -110u | -135 |
| Arizona Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -105 | 138 -110o / -110u | +115 |
- Houston vs Arizona spread: Houston -2
- Houston vs Arizona over/under: 138 points
- Houston vs Arizona moneyline: Houston -135, Arizona +115
- Houston vs Arizona best bet: Under 138 (Play to 135.5)
My Houston vs Arizona NCAAB Betting Preview
Houston Basketball
Kelvin Sampson's Houston squads have been the most well-rounded over the last few seasons, and this year is no exception. The Cougars come into this matchup second in adjusted defensive efficiency and fourth in adjusted offensive efficiency.
Their stifling defense, combined with their 308th-ranked tempo, makes them a very hard team to generate success against. The tempo will be key in this matchup, as Arizona presents a stark contrast, ranking 38th in tempo.
However, the Cougars should dictate the pace by controlling the glass and the turnover battle. While Arizona ranks eighth in offensive rebounding rate, it sits just 66th in defensive rebounding rate.
The Cougars' ability to battle on the offensive glass and keep position will limit the Wildcats' ability to get out on the break. With Houston in its sets, it should also control the paint defensively.
Arizona Basketball
The Wildcats have proven they can cook at home. They have yet to lose a game at the McKale Memorial Center — but the Cougars present a unique challenge.
Arizona would be best served by pushing the pace in this matchup to create higher-percentage looks. However, that's much easier said than done, as the Wildcats haven't proven they can stretch the floor with perimeter shooting.
Houston's one defensive flaw, — and it's slight — has been perimeter shooting. It ranks 84th in 3-point percentage allowed and 316th in 3-point rate.
There will be opportunities for Caleb Love to capitalize, but it will be harder if the 'Cats can't make the Cougars defend the perimeter in transition.
Houston vs. Arizona Betting Analysis
These teams profile very similarly on the defensive end. Both Houston and Arizona like to force teams inside and collapse around them. This has led to plenty of missed shots, and that should continue to be the theme in this matchup.
Houston's defense will travel well and keep the number of possessions to a minimum on both ends of the floor, so I'll take the under here.
