BYU vs Houston Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/4/25

In this article, we will formulate a BYU vs Houston Prediction for this college basketball game on Saturday, January 4th, at the Hofheinz Pavillion. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:

-The Cougars’ recent form and recent player performance 

-The Cougars’ recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving BYU

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Houston

-Recent betting trends in games played between BYU and Houston

-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Cougars and Cougars. 

BYU is Hot

BYU is hot heading into this game and they have won four games in a row. BYU faced off against Florida A&M two games ago and they were able to secure the 103-57 victory. In the last game against Arizona State, it was much of the same and they were able to secure the 76-56 victory. On Tuesday against the Sun Devils, BYU was only up by five points at halftime, but in the second half they scored 45 points, and that was enough for the blowout win. Forward Richie Saunders had a strong game putting up 30 points, six rebounds, and one assist. Kanon Catchiings also had a strong game putting up 11 points and two rebounds. The Cougars as a team shot 48.3 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from behind the three-point line. 

BYU on the season is averaging 84.8 points while their defense is giving up 64 points per game. The offense is ranked 25th in the league while the defense is ranked 31st. They are averaging 17.8 assists per game which is 21st in the league. Forward Richie Saunders is averaging 13.9 points while shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from behind the three-point line. 

Why BYU Will Beat Houston

BYU has won 10 of its last 12 games.

Huge Test for Houston

Houston comes into this game with a 9-3 record overall and they have gone 6-6 against the spread. This is a huge game for the team, and Houston as they don’t want to pick up another loss here. Houston has won five games in a row and they have confidence right now. On Monday, Houston faced off against Oklahoma State, and they scored 60 points and they ended up winning by 13 points. The defense was sure impressive giving up only 47 points. Houston shot 42.1 percent from the field and 30 percent from behind the three-point line. They allowed Oklahoma State to shoot only 25.9 percent from the field and 21.1 percent from behind the three-point line. Houston was led by J’wan Roberts who put up 20 points, 11 rebounds, and one assist. There were three different players that put up at least 12 points. 

Houston on the season is averaging 76.5 points while their defense is giving up 54.6 points per game. The offense is ranked 156th in the league while the defense is ranked 1st. L.J. Cryer is averaging 15.1 points while shooting 40.8 percent from the field and 42.2 percent from behind the three-point line. Emanuel Sharp is dealing with a foot injury and he is questionable heading into this game. Ramon Walker Jr is dealing with a hand injury, and he’s officially questionable heading into this game. 

BYU vs Houston Prediction

Give me BYU here. This Houston squad isn’t as good as the last couple of years, and I think BYU is still being overlooked here. BYU on the season is averaging 84.8 points per game and they are going to have no issue running up the score here. Now against this Houston defense, they aren’t going to score 84.8 points, but they are going to score enough here to get the job done. It’s going to be a balanced offensive attack, and it’s going to be BYU that will come out on top. Back BYU to cover the spread here.