Houston vs Cincinnati Prediction 1/3/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Houston vs Cincinnati Prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 3rd. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Cincinnati Bearcats Preview

Cincinnati Bearcats have an 8-5 record this season and are sitting in a tie for 15th place of the Big 12 Conference. They have an 8-1 home record and are coming off an 89-62 home win against Lipscomb. Their previous three games were a 65-68 home loss against Clemson, an 88-51 home win against Alabama State and an 84-65 home loss against Georgia.

Offensively, Cincinnati averages 75.8 points per game, while allowing 65.5 points per game defensively. The Bearcats shoot with 43% from the field and grab 40.2 rebounds per game, while dishing out 17.5 assists per game. They average 5.4 blocks per game and 7.0 steals per game defensively.

Baba Miller leads Cincinnati in scoring, with an average of 13.6 points per game, while shooting with 58.2% from the field and 59.6% from the free throw line. Baba Miller is also the team’s leading rebounder with 11.5 per game, while Kerr Kriisa adds a team-high 4.1 assists per game.

Houston Cougars Preview

Houston Cougars have a 12-1 record this season and are sitting in a tie for 3rd place of the Big 12 Conference. They have a 0-0 away record and are coming off a 69-60 home win against Middle Tennessee. Their previous three games were a 94-85 home win against Arkansas, a 99-57 home win against New Orleans and an 80-38 home win against Jackson State.

Offensively, Houston averages 78.7 points per game, while allowing 60 points per game defensively. The Cougars shoot with 45% from the field and grab 38.2 rebounds per game, while dishing out 16.6 assists per game. They average 4.1 blocks per game and 9.2 steals per game defensively.

Emanuel Sharp leads Houston in scoring, with an average of 17.0 points per game, while shooting with 46.1% from the field and 85.1% from the free throw line. Chris Cenac Jr. is the team’s leading rebounder with 7.4 per game, while Kingston Flemings adds a team-high 4.9 assists per game.

Houston Cougars @ Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Trends: January 3, 2026

Why the Cincinnati Bearcats will win

• Cincinnati has won eight of its last nine games at Fifth Third Arena.
• Cincinnati has won the first half in each of its last four games against Conference opponents at Fifth Third Arena.

Why the Houston Cougars will win

• Houston has won each of its last 32 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Cincinnati has lost each of its last 20 games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
• Houston has won the first half in each of its last 14 games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Cincinnati’s last six games have produced a total of 133+ points.
• Five of Houston’s last six road games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 130 or fewer points.

Houston vs Cincinnati Prediction

In this Houston vs Cincinnati Prediction, Houston is coming as -7.5 road favorites. Houston has been the better team this season, as they are almost perfect with just one loss in 13 games played. They are up against a Cincinnati squad that has been weaker against the spread and 2-3 in its last 5 games and are inferior both offensively and defensively. Houston has a +18.7 point differential this season, while Cincinnati shoots with just 45% from the field, so I expect the guests to take care of business. Take Houston and lay the points on the road.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Houston -7.5