Idaho vs Houston Prediction 3/19/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate an Idaho vs Houston prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 19th at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NCAA Tournament matchup.

Idaho Vandals Betting Preview

The Idaho Vandals are 21-14 (9-9) this season after they defeated Montana by a score of 77-66 in their last game. Idaho trailed 31-30 at halftime, but they scored 47 points in the second half to pull away with the win. The Vandals shot 41% from the field, 24% on three pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. Isaiah Brickner led Idaho with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Kolton Mitchell added 11 points and five rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Idaho defeated Eastern Washington by a score of 81-68 and Montana State by a score of 78-74. The Vandals have scored 78.7 points per game with 37.4 rebounds and 12.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 72.6 points against per game this season. Jackson Rasmussen is averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while Kolton Mitchell is averaging 13.7 points and 3.9 assists per game for the Vandals. Idaho is shooting 44.8% from the field, 73.5% on free throws, and 35.6% on three pointers this season. 

Houston Cougars Betting Preview

The Houston Cougars are 28-6 (14-4) this year after they lost to Arizona by a score of 79-74 in their last game. Houston trailed 44-36 at halftime, but they did win the second half 38-35 in the loss. The Cougars shot 44% from the field, 38% on three pointers, and 71% on free throws in the game. Joseph Tugler led Houston with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Mercy Miller added 13 points and seven rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Houston defeated Kansas by a score of 69-47 and BYU by a score of 73-66. The Cougars have scored 77.1 points per game with 36.6 rebounds and 14.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 62.9 points against per game this season. Kingston Flemings is averaging 16.4 points and 5.3 assists per game, while Emanuel Sharp is averaging 15.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game for the Cougars. Houston is shooting 45.0% from the field, 77.2% on free throws, and 34.9% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Houston Cougars will win

• Houston has won each of its last 44 games as a top-15 AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
• Idaho has lost 11 of its last 12 Thursday games against non-Conference opponents.

Why the Idaho Vandals will win

• Idaho has won seven of its last eight games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Houston’s last 11 Thursday night games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 138 or fewer points.
• Twenty-two of Idaho’s last 24 night games have produced a total of 139+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Houston ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for turnover percentage this season (10.7%).
• Houston is one of only two teams to reach the Sweet 16 in each of its last five NCAA Tournament appearances.
• Idaho ranks 50th among Division 1 teams for opponent assists per game this season (11.7).

Idaho vs Houston Prediction 

Houston had a disappointing loss in the Big 12 Tournament Final, but they have had a great season and they have allowed 66 points or fewer in three of their last five games. The Cougars are shooting 45% from the field and they have scored 73+ in four of their last five. Idaho has won five games in a row, but they were just seventh in the Big Sky this year. The Vandals are shooting 45% from the field and they have scored at least 77 in four of their last five, but they are also significantly worse on defense. I think Houston’s defense will hold Idaho to around 55 points and I expect the Cougars to run away with this one. Take Houston here.

David Racey's Pick: Houston -23.5