| MATCHUP | Houston Cougars | Iowa State Cyclones |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 23-2 | 22-3 |
| Spread | +2.5 -110 | -2.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | +114 | -135 |
| Total | Over 134.5 (-110) | Under 134.5 (-110) |
| Where | Hilton Coliseum, Ames, IA | |
| When | Monday, February 16, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN | |
The Houston Cougars and the Iowa State Cyclones meet Monday in college basketball action from Hilton Coliseum in Ames. Here’s a Houston vs Iowa State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Houston vs Iowa State pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
Houston managed to get victories in six of their opening seven outings this year. Next came wins over Notre Dame, Florida State, Jackson State, New Orleans, Arkansas, Middle Tennessee, Cincinnati, Texas Tech, Baylor, West Virginia and Arizona State before a loss to Texas Tech. After that were more wins over TCU, Cincinnati, UCF, BYU and Utah in order for a 22-2 overall record in the books over the Cougars’ first 24 outings of the season.
In game 25 versus Kansas State back on Saturday, Houston was looking pretty on a 33-19 advantage as the game moved into the second half. The Cougars kept the pace from there on a 45-45 run and took the eventual victory on their home floor 78-64 in the end. Leading the way was Emanuel Sharp with 23 points, six rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes during the win.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview
Over on the Cyclones’ side, they ran the table on a perfect 16-0 start to the season. Iowa State would then take consecutive losses to Kansas and Cincinnati before picking it back up again with wins over Central Florida, Oklahoma State, Colorado, Kansas State and Baylor. After another loss to TCU, Iowa State was sitting at 21-3 after their first 24 games of the year.
Matched up against Kansas over the weekend the Cyclones were looking good at halftime sitting on a 37-27 advantage. Iowa State hit a 37-29 run in the second half and took the eventual victory 74-56 on their home court. Leading the Cyclones was Milan Momcilovic with 18 points, three rebounds and one assist. Four different Iowa State players each added 11 points in the win.
Houston Cougars @ Iowa State Cyclones Betting Trends: February 16, 2026
Why the Iowa State Cyclones will win
- Iowa State has won each of its last 11 home games as a top-10 AP-ranked team.
Why the Houston Cougars will win
- Houston has won each of its last 19 night games against the Big 12 Conference.
- Iowa State has lost each of its last five games against teams with an AP Ranking of 3.
- Iowa State has lost the first half in seven of its last eight February night games as an AP-ranked team against an AP-ranked team.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Iowa State’s last seven home night games against the Big 12 Conference have produced a total of 139+ points.
- Seven of Houston’s last eight games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 134+ points.
Houston vs Iowa State Prediction
I’ll lean toward Iowa State but it’ll be a fun one to watch no matter what. The Cyclones took care of a great Kansas team over the weekend, surging to a home win on 43.5 percent shooting and just six turnovers. Iowa State gave up just 37.3 percent shooting on the other side but did go just 9-of-17 (52.9 percent) at the line. The Cyclones have won six of their last seven games, scoring 72 or more points in each of those victories along the way.
As for Houston, they shot a tepid 40.7 percent from the field with 15 turnovers in the win over Kansas State last weekend. The Cougars gave up just 35.1 percent shooting on the other side and added 37 rebounds with 18 team assists, though. Houston is sitting on a six-game win streak right now, posting 76 or more points in five of those. We should have a really fun matchup here regardless of the outcome.