Wednesday’s college basketball action features a high-major doubleheader on ESPN2, capped by a Big 12 matchup with the No. 10 Houston Cougars (17-2) vs. TCU Horned Frogs (13-7) at 9:00 p.m. ET.
Holding a 5-1 conference record, Houston sits third in the Big 12 standings, while TCU is in the middle of the pack with a 3-4 mark. The Cougars are looking to rebound from Saturday’s 90-86 loss against Texas Tech, and the Horned Frogs tout an ongoing two-game winning streak in the Big 12.
Let’s make a Houston vs. TCU prediction for Wednesday's college basketball game on the spread via PrizePicks Team Picks, and break down the top player picks on PrizePicks, including Houston's Emanuel Sharp.
Houston vs. TCU Prediction, Spread, Over/Under
Since joining the Big 12 in the 2023-24 season, Houston sports 2-1 outright and against the spread (ATS) record against TCU. The Cougs dominated the last two meetings with an average margin of +17.0 points.
The under is 4-2 in Houston’s last six games, while the over carries a 4-2 record for TCU in the split. In the last 10 games, the Horned Frogs are 5-5 ATS, compared to the Cougs’ 7-3 mark.
Houston vs. TCU Spread, Over/Under, Payouts
Four of TCU’s past five games have featured a total surpassing 150.0, but Houston’s strong defense has swayed tonight’s total to just 138.5.
Thanks to a home advantage, the Horned Frogs are within striking distance as 6.5-point underdogs at home.
- Spread: Houston Cougars -6.5
- Over/Under: 138.5
- Gamer Winner Payout: Houston 1.2x | TCU 4.16x
Team Picks data is live as of publishing and is subject to change.
Houston vs. TCU Injury Report
Let’s have a look at the full Houston vs. TCU injury report for Wednesday night’s matchup, via Covers.com.
- Houston G Kordel Jefferson (knee): OUT
- TCU C Malick Diallo (knee): OUT
Houston vs. TCU Prediction on Spread
TCU’s offense is totaling an impressive 80.0 points per game (76th percentile among all college basketball teams), but it’s 52.6% effective field goal percentage (64th percentile) raises some flags. According to Bart Torvik, the Frogs rank 102nd in adjusted offensive efficiency (out of 365).
Houston boasts an elite defense yet again, allowing only 61.6 points per game (100th percentile) and a 46.2% effective field goal percentage (95th percentile).
TCU’s shot distributions raise questions, too, ranking 205th for close twos and 230th for 3-pointers. The Cougars are stingy around the rim, holding opponents to 32.8% close twos shot distribution (91st percentile).
Shooting triples could be key against the Cougars, as Houston allows a 43.6% shot distribution (18th percentile). However, the Horned Frogs shoot only 34.2% from deep (55th percentile) and log 7.8 made 3-pointers per contest (50th percentile).
The 3-ball has led the Cougs’ offense, with 9.3 made triples (82nd percentile) and 26.9 attempts per game (83rd percentile). TCU carries a middle-of-the-packl perimeter defense, as opponents shoot 33.3% from beyond the arc (61st percentile).
Adding to Houston’s advantages, it dominates the glass with 11.7 offensive rebounds per game (95th percentile) and a 36.6% offensive rebounding percentage (96th percentile). The Frogs total only 22.5 defensive rebounds per contest (52nd percentile).
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Houston vs. TCU Picks for PrizePicks: Wednesday, January 28
Houston G Emanuel Sharp and TCU G Jayden Pierre could take advantage of favorable matchups, making them the top Houston vs. TCU picks for PrizePicks tonight.
Houston G Emanuel Sharp vs. TCU Projection: 2.5 Made 3-Pointers
- Sharp leads Houston’s 3-point attack by launching 7.1 triples per game, increasing to 7.8 over his last four appearances.
- The senior guard has reached at least 17 points in three of the last five.
- For context, he totals 16.1 points per game (PPG) this season.
- Furthermore, Sharp has drained at least 3 triples in three of the last four games.
- He’s stayed efficient from deep by making 35.5% of his shots in the split, compared to his 38.5% season-long mark.
- Following a 20-point performance on Saturday, the Cougar guard has a solid matchup against TCU, allowing 7.2 made 3-pointers per game (102nd).
TCU G Jayden Pierre vs. Houston Projection: 9.5 Points
- The Horned Frogs’ offense is not known for launching triples, but Pierre is a capable shooter with an elite 42.7% 3-point mark.
- He leads TCU by taking 4.5 shots from beyond the arc per game and has cashed in at least 2 made three-pointers in five of the past eight games.
- Pierre could take advantage of Houston ceding 22.6 3-point shots per game (60th percentile).
- The senior guard from New Jersey posted a career-high 25 points on January 24 and logged 12.2 PPG over the last six contests.
Make Houston vs. TCU Picks on PrizePicks
Backed by an exceptional defense and extra possessions, Houston could roll to a bounce-back win on Wednesday in Big 12 play. However, TCU holds an advantage on paper from 3-point land, proven by Pierre’s matchup. Will the senior guard help engineer a potential upset?
Make your Houston vs. TCU picks at PrizePicks, where you can earn real-money rewards for your predictions if you’re right. Just choose players, predict More or Less on their projected stats, and cash in if you're right.
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