Duke vs Houston Prediction College Basketball Picks 3/29/24

Houston (32-4) vs Duke (26-8)

Game Info: Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:39 pm (American Airlines Center)

Betting Odds: Houston -4.5 -- Over/Under: 133.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Duke Blue Devils and Houston Cougars meet Friday in the college basketball Sweet 16 at the American Airlines Center. The winner of this game will play the winner of NC State - Marquette in the Eight Eight. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Duke vs Houston prediction.

Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview

The Duke Blue Devils are coming off wins over Vermont and James Madison. The Duke Blue Devils are averaging 80.2 points on 48.4 percent shooting and allowing 67.2 points on 43.1 percent shooting. Kyle Filipowski is averaging 16.6 points and 8.2 rebounds, while Jeremy Roach is averaging 14 points and 2.5 rebounds. Jared McCain is the third double-digit scorer and Mark Mitchell is grabbing 6.1 rebounds. The Duke Blue Devils are shooting 38.1 percent from beyond the arc and 72.5 percent from the free throw line. The Duke Blue Devils are allowing 32.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.5 rebounds per game.

Houston Cougars Betting Preview

The Houston Cougars are coming off wins over Longwood and Texas A&M. The Houston Cougars are averaging 74.2 points on 43.8 percent shooting and allowing 56.9 points on 38.3 percent shooting. LJ Cryer is averaging 15.5 points 2.4 rebounds, while Jamal Shead is averaging 13.2 points and 3.8 rebounds. Emanuel Sharp is the third double-digit scorer and J’Wan Roberts is grabbing 6.8 rebounds. The Houston Cougars are shooting 34.8 percent from beyond the arc and 68.7 percent from the free throw line. The Houston Cougars are allowing 30.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 35 rebounds per game.

Houston Cougars Team Facts

Houston has won each of its last 15 games against non-Conference opponents.
Nine of Houston's last 10 night games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 132 or fewer points.
Houston has won the first half in each of its last 15 games against non-Conference opponents.

Duke Blue Devils Team Facts

Duke has won each of its last 11 Friday games played at neutral venues.
Each of Duke's last 14 night games against Top 5 AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 134+ points.
Duke has won the first half in each of its last six games against non-Conference opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

Houston ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game this season (56.9).
Houston ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent field goals made per game this season (18.9).
Duke ranks T11th among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+13.0).
Duke ranks 11th among Division 1 teams for offensive rating this season (119.6).

Duke vs Houston prediction

Houston is the better team on paper and this is damn near a home game for the Cougars with it being played in Dallas. Houston should be favored. However, let's not pretend like Houston didn't blow it against Texas A&M. Let's also not act like Houston couldn't score against Iowa State a couple of weeks ago. Houston has been shaky in recent efforts. Also, Duke is a super talented team that's elite offensively and does defend a bit. Furthermore, Duke has covered 7 of its last 10 games. This will be just the third time all year, Duke is an underdog. Duke will have its chances to win this game outright. Give me the Blue Devils and the points. The winner of this clash will face NC State or Marquette in the next round.