Game Details:
- Date & Time: Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET
- Location: INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita, Kansas
- Broadcast: TBS
- Betting Odds:
- Point Spread: Houston -29.5
- Moneyline: Houston -10000 | SIU Edwardsville +3300
- Over/Under: 126.5 points
Houston Cougars Overview (30-4, 19-1 Big 12)
Under head coach Kelvin Sampson, the Houston Cougars secured the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region for the third straight year. Known for their stifling defense, Houston ranks second nationally, allowing only 58.5 points per game. Offensively, they average 74.2 points per game and are led by a strong backcourt.
Key Players:
- L.J. Cryer (15.2 PPG): Houston’s leading scorer, efficient from the perimeter.
- Milos Uzan (11.5 PPG, 4.3 APG): Facilitates the offense and distributes effectively.
- J’Wan Roberts (10.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG): Provides physicality in the paint and controls the boards.
Houston Betting Trends:
- ATS Record: 18-14-1 (56.3%)
- Known for covering spreads, especially when their defense dominates.
SIU Edwardsville Cougars Overview (22-11, 13-7 OVC)
Led by head coach Brian Barone, SIUE earned their first-ever NCAA Division I Tournament berth after capturing the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament title. SIUE averages 72.6 points per game and allows 66.1 points per game.
Key Players:
- Ray’Sean Taylor (19.3 PPG, 3.8 APG, 2.0 SPG): SIUE’s offensive leader and playmaker.
- Ring Malith (7.2 RPG): Key rebounder who controls the boards and defends the paint.
SIU Edwardsville Betting Trends:
- ATS Record: 18-13-1 (58.1%)
- Often covers large spreads, making them a sneaky bet against top seeds.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Perimeter Play:
Houston’s L.J. Cryer will test SIUE’s perimeter defense. Conversely, Ray’Sean Taylor will challenge Houston’s schemes with his scoring and distribution. - Rebounding Battle:
Houston’s J’Wan Roberts vs. SIUE’s Ring Malith. Dominance on the boards will be crucial for pace and second-chance points.
Betting Angles & Trends:
- Against the Spread (ATS):
- Houston: 18-14-1 ATS (56.3%)
- SIU Edwardsville: 18-13-1 ATS (58.1%)
- Over/Under Trends:
- Houston: Under in 18 of 34 games (52.9%)
- SIU Edwardsville: Under in 15 of 34 games (44.1%)
The low 126.5-point total reflects Houston’s defensive dominance.
Expert Predictions & Best Bets:
🔥 Best Bet: Under 126.5 (-110)
💰 Lean: SIU Edwardsville +29.5 (-110)
🎯 Prop Bet: Ray’Sean Taylor Over 17.5 points
Final Thoughts: Houston Cougars vs. SIU Edwardsville Cougars Preview
This first-round showdown features Houston’s elite defense against SIUE’s balanced attack. While Houston is heavily favored to advance, SIUE’s resilience and Ray’Sean Taylor’s scoring ability could keep the game competitive. For bettors, both the Under and the large spread offer intriguing opportunities.
