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BYU Cougars vs Miami Hurricanes Betting Preview
BYU enters the ESPN Events Invitational at 4-1 with wins over Wisconsin and a near-upset of UConn. The Cougars have shuffled lineups early due to injuries and a suspension, but their depth has carried them against ranked opponents. Freshman AJ Dybantsa and leading scorer Richie Saunders continue to fuel an offense that moves the ball well and plays with pace. As the number updates through the day, you can track it on the NCAA basketball odds page.
Miami comes in at 5-1, a significant jump forward after a 7-24 season. Jai Lucas has rebuilt the offense around Malik Reneau and Tre Donaldson, both scoring at elite efficiency. The Hurricanes shot the ball better in their 97-41 win over Delaware State, with Donaldson going 4-for-4 from deep and the team showing improved balance. The bigger unknown is health, with Ernest Udeh Jr. and Tru Washington still recovering from lower-body injuries.
Both teams enter with top-tier offensive efficiency and early-season momentum. BYU wants to push tempo and create space for their guards. Miami counters with one of the nation’s best assist rates and an interior scoring advantage when fully healthy.
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Line Movement and Odds
BYU opened near −9.5 on the neutral floor in Kissimmee. The total sits at 163.5, one of the highest numbers on the Thanksgiving slate, reflecting the pace and shot-making potential on both sides. Early action slightly favors the over. To compare this matchup with others on the slate, visit the college basketball previews section.
Matchup Breakdown
BYU relies on Dybantsa’s creation, Saunders’ outside shooting and Robert Wright III’s playmaking. Their spacing and off-ball movement punish poor rotations, and when Dybantsa avoids foul trouble, they become difficult to slow down. Their defensive rotations remain a work in progress, but their scoring depth covers stretches.
Miami can match that pace. Reneau provides mismatches inside, and Donaldson controls tempo with 21.5 assists per game as a team. Their ball movement gives them multiple scoring options each possession. The Hurricanes need consistent rim protection, which makes Udeh’s availability meaningful.
For supporting models and angles, see the free college basketball picks page.
Injuries and Conditions
BYU
No new clarity on suspended forward Kennard Davis.
Full team details: BYU page
Miami
- Ernest Udeh Jr. (lower body) – Questionable
- Tru Washington (lower body) – Questionable
Full team details: Miami page
Neutral-site indoor matchup, no weather impact.
Best Bets and Prediction
Both teams can score, both push tempo and both rely on top-end guard play. BYU’s defensive efficiency gives them a slight edge, but Miami’s scoring balance should keep the spread tight.
Projected Score: BYU 89, Miami 84
Best Bet: Miami +9.5
Secondary Lean: Over 163.5
Fundamentals-based angles and betting structure are outlined in the Bettors Handbook.
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