BOK Center will host Texas El Paso Miners vs. Houston Cougars action on Thursday as both teams try to pay off for bettors in NCAA basketball betting action.

This game is part of the Conference USA Tournament which will decide the conference champion and help decide March Madness seedings. This matchup is a neutral-site affair being played at BOK Center.

The Miners sit at 17-13 (15-11-2 ATS) on the season. By comparison, the Cougars are currently 19-11 (11-9-1 ATS). Looking to wager on the totals? Texas El Paso is 14-12 OU, and Houston is 15-6 OU.



View Houston vs Texas El Paso Odds and Stats.

Power Rankings / Prediction:
The Miners - Cougars odds would favor the Cougars if the lines were set according to our power ranks. Texas El Paso is rated No. 153 in the current Odds Shark poll, while Houston is at No. 139. Mathematical models based on recent stats and predictive formulas point to a 74-71 win for the Cougars.



How They Match Up:
Offensively, the game matches up Texas El Paso's No. 275 nationally ranked offense (63.2 points per game) against a Cougars defense that sits as the No. 311 at 72.7 PPG. The Miners have been averaging 44.7% from the field, less than the Cougars have managed so far this season (46.8% on average).

Comparing how these foes stack up statistically, Houston owns the country's No. 331-rated mark, allowing 78.2 points per game on the highway. Texas El Paso, on the other hand, rates No. 258 in scoring at home.

Houston was a 72-67 Sportsbook in its last match at home against Rice. They failed to cover the 10.5-point spread as favorites. TaShawn Thomas scored 16 points leading the Cougars to a 72-67 victory over Rice at BOK Center on Wednesday.

In their last action, Texas El Paso was a 76-63 Sportsbook on the road against Southern Methodist. They covered the 1.5-point spread as favorites. Julian Washburn scored 20 points leading the Miners to a 76-63 victory over Southern Methodist at Moody Coliseum on Saturday.