The Houston Cougars and the TCU Horned Frogs continue Big 12 Conference men’s basketball action on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. central on ESPN2. The Cougars (10-3, 2-0 in Big 12) are ranked in the AP Top 25 while TCU (8-5, 1-1) is unranked.
Both teams are coming off wins this weekend. Houston defeated BYU, 86-55, and TCU defeated Kansas State, 63-62.
Here is a preview of Monday’s game.
How to Watch Houston vs. TCU
Date: Monday, January 6, 2025
Time: 8 p.m. CT
TV Channel: ESPN2
Site: Fertitta Center, Houston, Texas
Houston vs. TCU Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Houston -18.5
Current Line: Houston -20
Over/Under: 128
Houston vs. TCU Predictions
Houston has won six straight and three straight over high-major teams, dating back to a win over Butler in December. The victory over BYU was dominant, but it didn’t get the Cougars their first Quad 1 win in NCAA NET. TCU won’t do it, either.
If you’re looking at six-player rotations in the Big 12, one has to look at Houston’s and Iowa State’s as the two best. With guards L.J. Cryer, Emanuel Sharp, Terrance Arceneaux and Milos Uzan, along with forwards J’Wan Roberts and Joseph Tugler, the Cougars will be competitive with anyone in the country.
Plus, there’s depth — guard Mylik Wilson, forward Ja’Vier Francis and emerging guard Mercy Miller. The real question is whether Houston can avoid the injuries of a season ago.
The Horned Frogs needed everything it had to beat Kansas State on Saturday, and Noah Henderson had a fine game, with 18 points, including what turned out to be the game-winner. TCU is still working things out after the loss to Frankie Collins for the season, but the return of guard Brendan Wenzel should help with that.
The progress of center Ernest Udeh Jr. continues to impress, and how he matches up with Roberts and Tugler inside will be a key matchup to watch.
Plus, TCU’s offense has to handle Houston’s pressure. The Cougars have one of the two best defenses in the country. If BYU was blown out 31 and only committed 15 turnovers, that tells you something.
Houston 79, TCU 72
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Houston (93.0% Chance of Winning)
Odds Shark: Houston 77, TCU 64
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
