The Southern Methodist Mustangs remain one of the few undefeated teams in the country, but have been struggling to cover big spreads. SMU has opened as a 13-point favorite when they host the Houston Cougars on Tuesday, but the Mustangs are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven when favored by 13-points or more.
Nobody tell SMU that they are banned from pretty much any meaningful game this season as they have opened the year 17-0 SU with an average scoring margin of +19 points per game. However, since Keith Frazier left the team on December 29, SMU has averaged just 71.6 points per game.
If Houston wants to pull off the upset and climb in the AAC they need to get their offense straightened out. The Cougars have averaged just 59.7 points on 36.9 percent shooting in their past three contests. Rob Gray Jr., the leading scorer in the AAC, has been inconsistent in that span, as he has averaged 12 points, which is his lowest output through three games this season.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
On the Sportsbook NCAA basketball betting line for this matchup, Southern Methodist sat as -13-point favorites over at Sportsbook. Also, check out the current over/under betting total for points scored, which often goes up first at online sportsbook Sportsbook
Houston Cougars vs Southern Methodist Mustangs Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Southern Methodist Mustangs bring a 17-0 record (6-7 ATS) to this tilt against the 13-4 Cougars, who are 6-6 ATS. Those OVER/UNDER betting have witnessed Southern Methodist go 7-6 so far and the Houston Cougars go 6-6.
The power rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Southern Methodist Mustangs rated this week at No. 33 and the Houston Cougars sitting at No. 81.
Statistical Matchup
In the paint, the rebound battle will feature Southern Methodist's No. 31-rated squad against Houston's No. 42-rated roster. And in long-range shooting, Southern Methodist rates No. 154 in the country with 6.76 per game, while their foes tonight, the Houston Cougars rank No. 140 nationally with 6.94 per match.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Rob Gray Jr. scored 15 points in a futile effort to lead the Cougars to a win (they lost 69-57 to Connecticut at Hofheinz Pavilion on Sunday).
Markus Kennedy scored 13 points leading the Mustangs to a 60-45 victory over Tulane at Devlin Fieldhouse on Sunday.
Next Betting Matchups
Houston home to South Florida, Saturday, January 23rd
Southern Methodist at Temple, Saturday, January 23rd