Pick details
| MATCHUP | La Salle Explorers | Houston Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Spread | +29.5 -105 | -29.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +5000 | -100000 |
| Total | Over 137.5 (-112) | Under 137.5 (-108) |
| Where | Fertitta Center, Houston, TX | |
| When | Monday, November 2, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | CBSSN | |
La Salle vs Houston Prediction
Houston is obviously the more talented team and has done a fabulous job of beating up on lesser opponents over the years. It wouldn’t be surprising to see more of the same. However, Houston is also a new team that may need time to fully come together. La Salle brings back a couple of double-digit scores and should be eyeing a successful season in the A10.
Don’t expect La Salle to win this game, but hanging around and being somewhat competitive isn’t asking a lot. Nichols has players he can work with at La Salle this season. The Explorers have potential to take a step forward. I’ll grab the points with La Salle.
La Salle Explorers Betting Preview
La Salle won nine games last season and enters the second season under coach Darris Nichols. La Salle hasn’t made the big dance since the 2012-13 season.
Rob Dockery returns after averaging 12.5 points and 6.1 rebounds, while Jerome Brewer Jr. averaged 11.2 points and 4.2 rebounds. Jaden Johnson averaged 4.1 assists per game, and Noah Collier played in 42 minutes last season. La Salle returns legit difference makers in Dockery and Brewer, and there’s a talented forward in Anthony Finkley coming over from St. Joseph’s. The A-10 is competitive, but there are players to work with on this roster. It’s been a while since La Salle has won a meaningful amount of games, but after nine just last year, I do expect a step forward.
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
Houston has made the big dance in each of the last six years and enters year 13 under coach Kelvin Sampson. Houston has topped 30 wins in each of its last five seasons.
Joseph Tugler returns after averaging 8.4 points and 5.3 rebounds, while Mercy Miller averaged 5 points and 1.8 rebounds. Chase McCarty averaged 0.2 assists per game, and Kordel Jefferson played in 11 minutes last season. Houston is going through a serious roster rebuild, as much of last year’s production is gone. Dedan Thomas Jr. comes over from LSU after averaging 15.3 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds. Delrecco Gillespie is a double-double threat who transferred from Kent State. Corey Hadnot averaged 20.4 points last season at Purdue Fort Wayne. There’s a lot of new names, but Houston is ridiculously talented and should continue its success under Sampson.
Why the Houston Cougars will win
- Houston has won each of its last 64 night games at Fertitta Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- La Salle has lost each of its last seven road games.
- La Salle has lost the first half in each of its last four road games.
Total Points Facts
- Twenty-four of Houston’s last 25 night games against non-Conference opponents at Fertitta Center have produced a total of 137 or fewer points.
- Six of La Salle’s last seven night games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 146+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Houston ranked 1st for opponent points per game (56.3) in last season’s NCAA Tournament.
- Houston ranked 1st for opponent field goal percentage (35.2%) in last season’s NCAA Tournament.
- La Salle ranked 21st among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage last season (68.9%).
- La Salle ranked 40th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game last season (12.0).
Randy Chambers's Pick: La Salle +29.5
