Jan. 24, 2026, 10:39 a.m. ET

The No. 6 Houston Cougars (17-1, 5-0 Big 12) visit the No. 12 Texas Tech Red Raiders (15-4, 5-1) Saturday. Tip-off from United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas, is set for 2 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NCAA basketball odds around the Houston vs. Texas Tech odds and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions for the best bets.

Houston has won 11 games in a row after dominating Arizona State 103-73 last Sunday, covering as an 18.5-point home favorite with the Over (142.5) easily cashing. G Kingston Flemings led all scorers with 20 points, while all 5 Cougars starters scored in double figures, including 4 who scored at least 16 in the blowout.

Texas Tech has won 4 games in a row after handling Baylor 92-73 Tuesday, covering as a 1.5-point road favorite with the Over (154.5) hitting. G Christian Anderson scored a game-high 26 points on 8-of-10 shooting from 3, while F JT Toppin added 22, and G Donovan Atwell added 21 on 7-of-10 from beyond the arc.

Houston beat Texas Tech 69-65 in their first meeting this season (Jan. 6). Texas Tech covered as a 7.5-point road underdog and the Under (142.5) hit.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch NCAA basketball on Fubo!Houston at Texas Tech odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:39 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Houston -118 (bet $118 to win $100) | Texas Tech -102 (bet $102 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Houston -1.5 (-102) | Texas Tech +1.5 (-118)Over/Under (O/U): 140.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Houston at Texas Tech picks and predictionsPrediction

Houston 79, Texas Tech 78

BET HOUSTON (-118).

When it comes down to it, the Cougars are just too hot to bet against right now. With 11 wins in a row, including 3 on the road, they have looked like one of the nation’s best programs. Make no mistake, this game has all the makings of a dogfight, but the Cougars are playing like a well-oiled engine and have shown few shortcomings. Even as the road team in a tough environment, the confidence lies with the Cougars in this matchup.

PASS.

Even with a short spread, this matchup could come down to the last bucket, making the moneyline the better bet in this matchup.

BET OVER 140.5 (-110).

Both the Cougars and Red Raiders have high-caliber offenses that can speed up the pace of the game. While they both also have quality defenses, this total is favorable for the Over.

The Cougars have scored at least 77 points in each of their last 3 games and in 7 of their last 10, while allowing 65 or more in 2 of their last 4.

The Red Raiders have scored at least 84 points in each of their last 3 and at least 82 in 8 of their last 10. They have allowed at least 71 points in each of their last 4 and in 8 of their last 10.

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