The Big 12 on Tuesday night features a matchup between two teams that are finding out the conference is a bit of a war! Teams like Houston and BYU have proven their mettle so far. Now, they face off on Tuesday night from Provo, Utah. At Online Sports Betting, we look at what expects to be an intriguing matchup. So, naturally, we examine some Big 12 Tuesday Bets featuring the battle of the Cougars. Houston and BYU get it on in this Top 25 clash. .
- WHAT: Houston Cougars versus BYU Cougars
- WHEN: Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024, 9:00 pm ET on Big 12 Network or streamed on FUBO TV
- WHERE: Marriott Center, Provo, Utah
- WHY: Big 12 Top 25 Matchup
Bettors clamor for games like this. Hopefully, this is more exciting than the UNC blowout of Wake Forest on Monday. The Big 12 Tuesday Bets spotlight one of the future favorites.. Now, betting on prime NCAA College Men's basketball futures is hesitant on Houston now. After all, the team from Texas did lose two straight conference games. Here is a tonight's table for this Big 12 game, courtesy of Bovada Online Sportsbook.
Big 12 Tuesday Bets Take A Chance On Houston
Big 12 Tuesday Bets take a chance on Houston. So, how did Houston fare in the last week? Honestly, that answer is they rebounded well. Then again, the fourth-ranked Cougars played some tune-ups and won fairly easy. Now, the Big 12 rookies face a fellow team in their first year. That might be a good thing. However, this is where the contest gets interesting. Houston ranks number one in college basketball in SRS (Simple Rating System). They face BYU who ranks fourth.
Despite Houston playing on the road, this may benefit more than be a detriment. The best part for the Cougars from Texas is this. They are only three-point favorites. Houston is more conditioned to play games like this. Teams like Utah, Dayton, and Xavier proved to be too easy for Houston. BYU is a step up but are they really? .
The fun part of games like this is the risk. Now, there lies little secret that Houston can slow teams down when they want to. Partially, that is why the game total got pushed down pretty low. Most are assuming a game in the mid to high 60's in terms of pace.
Okay, let us take on this Top 25 game and see which team can get a leg up in the Big 12. Every win counts in conference and this would be a huge one for both teams.
Kelvin Sampson And Again Those Old Big 12 Ties
The Big 12 Tuesday Bets understand Kevin Sampson and again those old Big 12 ties. For those that do not remember Sampson's old days at Oklahoma, the former Sooners coach got OU to the Final Four in 2002. That was a team who won 11+ games six straight years (there were only 16 conference games then). Sampson knows the battles and gauntlet that the Big 12 can be. It is why most are not too worried with this road tilt at Provo.
The Houston Cougars fire in as one of the best defensive teams in college basketball, period. They have allowed a mere 51 points per game this season. Going back several years and this squad is regularly one of the best five or six defensive teams in the nation. It would be like the offensive run Gonzaga was on once upon a time. Now, the Big 12 can be a strange sort of conference. Sometimes games take a life of their own. Thankfully, Houston plays a fellow "rookie" here.
That last sentence provides big insight into why we believe Houston enjoys a big advantage here. Yes, the 16-2 Cougars are well on their way to another 30-win season. While only three Houston Guards average double figures, it is what they do on defense that is quite impressive. Mix in J'wan Roberts and how he cleans up inside the paint and one gets a team that can play tournament basketball in conference play.
Again, Houston can turn on the offense enough. Does BYU know what they are facing? Guard strength versus guard strength appears to favor Houston here. Even with BYU featuring five players who average 10+ points a game, Houston has been there and done that too often. Laying three points is not a big deal here. Taking Houston is almost a gift.
Big 12 Tuesday Bets Contemplating The Under?
So, what about Big 12 Tuesday bets contemplating the Under? The rationale is that Houston wants to clamp down considerably on the road. This is even more than at home. For what it is worth, BYU allows a mere 64 points a game on defense themselves. They are far from slouches as they rank 35th in the nation out of 362 teams.
The BYU squad may want to try and up the tempo but that could backfire at times. Houston excels with their physical presence. It's like a strength going against strength. Now, the difference is Sampson's coaching experience in the Big 12. The two consecutive losses told them a considerable lesson too. Do not get too cocky. Houston read the press clippings a little bit. The past few games allowed them to get back their focus.
There is a belief that the game could have an early pace for the over. As the game gets more tense, expect the pace to slow late. That should be enough to nail the game total on Tuesday night. Under is where we go here.
Online Sportsbook Reviews Like This Tuesday Slate
Finally, this Tuesday night fires in with plenty of exciting games. Now, online sportsbook reviews like this Tuesday slate where nine Top 25 teams are in action.
