Coming off a loss to the eighth-ranked Kansas Jayhawks, where they surrendered the most points in a game this season, the fifth-ranked Houston Cougars hope to right the ship when they host the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
While the Cougars are battling atop the Big 12 with a crush of heavy-hitting ranked teams, OSU presents perhaps the softest landing possible, ranking last in the conference despite coming off a win over Kansas State.
That hasn’t convinced the books of anything, as the Cougars enter this one as massive 19.5-point favorites in the college basketball odds.
Does Houston get right back to dominating after that blip against Kansas? Check my free college basketball picks for Oklahoma State vs. Houston on Tuesday, February 6.
Oklahoma State vs Houston best odds
Oklahoma State vs Houston picks and predictions
It was an uncharacteristic L for the Houston Cougars when they lost to the Jayhawks last game, as KU blistered them with a 43-point first half en route to a 78-65 rout.
This is a Houston squad that leads the nation in scoring defense, surrendering just 54 points per game. That first half vs. Kansas saw the Cougars allow nearly 20 points more than they usually give up, an NCAA-best 24.1 points over the first 20 minutes. A unit that usually holds teams 36.9% shooting from the field, Houston allowed KU to light it up on 31-for-45 shooting, an incredible 68.9% clip.
A team that sits in the Top 30 in rebounding, the Cougars were dominated, losing the rebound battle 40-24. Statistically, it’s their worst regular season loss in two years.
If there’s an opponent to get right against, though, it’s the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who are only putting up 71.1 points per game, which ranks 261st in college hoops. An above-average 3-point shooting team, hitting at 34.9% on nearly 26 attempts per game, they’ll be challenged from distance against a Houston side allowing teams to hit 28.9% from beyond the arc (11th).
But the Cowboys aren’t the ones coming off an L, as they dumped the Kansas State Wildcats 75-72 last game. After dropping six straight to open conference play, they’ve now won two of three.
Normally, all those points given on the spread would be a boon, but other factors could turn this ugly, quickly. OKST will be without second-leading scorer Bryce Thompson, who’s out with a torn labrum. That leaves just Javon Small as the only player currently scoring in double digits for the Cowboys.
Houston will be returning home where it’s yet to lose a game this season, going 12-0, and is a perfect 4-0 in conference play, winning by an average of 23.5 points.
The Cougars are also a stout 6-3 against the spread at 20 points or more.
After back-to-back games surrendering 70+, look for them to get back to dominating.
My best bet: Houston -20 (-115 at DraftKings)
Oklahoma State vs Houston same-game parlay
Houston -20
Javon Small Over 1.5 made threes
L.J. Cryer Over 2.5 made threes
With Thompson out, only leading scorer Javon Small has averaged double-digits in scoring for Oklahoma State. He went for 18 points, seven assists, and five boards against KState. He’s been consistently good at shooting the rock from 3-point range. With a 3-for-5 performance against the Wildcats, that now makes it five straight games where he’s hit at least two triples.
An 0-for-4 night against Kansas on January 16 is the only blip on his three-point resume for literally the last two months. Throughout 16 games dating back to November 30, Small has had two or more 3-point hits in 15 of them.
The East Carolina junior transfer will be in tough against the Cougars, but his consistency is there and a 40.4% stroke from distance is too hard to pass up.
LJ Cryer did about as much as he could to keep Houston in it against Kansas, scoring 24 points while drilling 6 of 12 from downtown. On the year, he’s averaging 15.5 points per game, right where his line is set Tuesday against the Cowboys.
OKST is not a defensive juggernaut, ranking 11th in the Big 12 in points allowed at 70.2 per contest. Last year, Cryer was right at the number in both games, scoring 15 in a 74-68 win on Feb 27, while finishing with 16 in a 74-58 win on January 14.
He should be right around that figure again.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best college basketball bonuses
All Users
Instant payout for CBB moneylines
If your team goes up by 18! Claim Now
New Users
Wager $5 on any market
Get $158 in bonus bets! Claim Now
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2024.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Oklahoma State vs Houston spread and Over/Under analysis
This spread has lived above 20 points, with the highest available line at 21. Houston is 11-10-1 ATS this season, while the Cowboys are just 7-14-1.
As for the total, the Cougars' top-ranked scoring defense will deflate any line, and this one is no different at a minuscule 128.5, moving north just a point at its highest peak.
The Under has hit in 14 of Houston’s 22 starts, while OKST has split its Over/Under this year, going 11-11-0.
Oklahoma State vs Houston betting trend to know
The Over has hit in three of Houston’s last four games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Oklahoma State vs. Houston.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Oklahoma State vs Houston game info
| Location: | Fertitta Center, Houston, TX |
| Date: | Tuesday, February 6, 2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN 2 |
Oklahoma State vs Houston key injuries
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
