Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Houston Cougars Picks and Predictions December 29th 2025

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Houston Cougars Betting Preview

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders enter 7-4 and look to test their balanced offense, while the Houston Cougars aim to defend home court in this non-conference matchup at Fertitta Center.

Line Movement and Odds

Houston opened as a heavy favorite, with the line reflecting confidence in their home-court dominance. Current market:

• Houston Spread: -27.5 (-111)
• Middle Tennessee Spread: +27.5 (-114)
• Houston MoneyLine: -25000
• Middle Tennessee MoneyLine: +4000
• Total: 138.5 (-110)

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Matchup Breakdown

Middle Tennessee Outlook

Middle Tennessee averages 78 points per game, with Torey Alston, Jahvin Carter, and a deep rotation leading the offense. Their perimeter shooting (9.1 threes per game) and rebounding edge (38.5 per game) highlight balance. Their 2-1 road record underscores competitiveness, though their recent 74-58 win over Cumberland shows offensive potential.

Houston Outlook

Houston averages 79.5 points per game, with Emanuel Sharp, Kingston Flemings, and a deep rotation providing scoring depth. Their shooting efficiency (51.6% FG) and 9-1 home record highlight offensive strength. Their 11-1 overall record underscores betting confidence heading into Big 12 play.

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

The game hinges on Houston’s ability to control tempo and boards, while Middle Tennessee must lean on Alston and Carter to pace the offense. If Houston maintains defensive discipline, their depth should create separation.

Injuries / Availability

Middle Tennessee: No injury updates provided.

Houston: No injury updates provided.

Environment

Fertitta Center provides Houston with a strong home-court edge, where they are 9-1 this season. Middle Tennessee’s balanced offense highlights their ability to compete in Houston.

Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Houston 82, Middle Tennessee 60

• Middle Tennessee +27.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive pace and perimeter shooting make them a strong cover candidate.
• Under 138.5 → Total play. Both teams’ slower pace points toward a combined score below the line.

Houston’s depth and shooting should dictate the game, but Middle Tennessee’s offense keeps the spread in play. Expect a competitive contest trending under the total.

Handicappers and Service Plays

For bettors seeking sharper insights, our Best Handicappers showcase experts with proven track records, while the Leaderboard highlights current streaks across multiple sports. Premium selections in Buy Picks provide detailed reasoning behind each play. These resources help identify value in spreads and totals, compare your analysis against seasoned professionals, and add confidence before locking in wagers. For a matchup like Middle Tennessee vs Houston, where pace and shooting efficiency are critical, expert breakdowns can reveal hidden opportunities beyond the surface stats.