Big 12 Semifinals: BYU vs Houston – Odds, Picks, and Predictions

• The #17 BYU Cougars square off with the #2 Houston Cougars in the semifinals of the 2025 Big 12 Tournament on Friday
• Houston is a heavy favorite after roughing up BYU by 32 points in the regular season
• Below, see my best BYU vs Houston picks and predictions plus odds for the Big 12 semis

The #2 Houston Cougars (28-4, 19-1 Big 12, 16-16 ATS) are aiming to pair their Big 12 regular-season title with a Big 12 Tournament title, but first they have to get by the #17 BYU Cougars (24-8, 14-6 Big 12, 20-12 ATS) in Friday’s semifinal at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO, at 7:00 pm ET. Houston is a sizable favorite over BYU in Friday’s college basketball odds.

BYU vs Houston Odds

Houston is listed as a seven-point favorite and -320 on the moneyline. BYU comes back as a +250 neutral-court underdog. The total is currently 134.5. The first meeting between these teams in Houston ended on 141 points (86-55 Houston).

Odds as of 2:15 pm ET, March 14, at Caesars. Check out SBD’s Caesars Sportsbook review to find the latest sign-up promos.

BYU advance to the semis with a hotly contested 96-92 win over Iowa State as 3.5-point underdogs. Leading scorer Richie Saunders (16.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.6 APG) was brilliant with 23 points, including a perfect 8-of-8 performance from the stripe, and five assists. Three other Cougars scored in double-figures, led by 15 off the bench from Fousseyni Traore (8.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG).

Houston didn’t have nearly as much trouble with overmatched Colorado. They jumped out to an early 15-2 lead and led by double-digits for the entire final 17 minutes until the last bucket of the game made the final a nine-point margin (77-68).

Junior guard Emanuel Sharp (12.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG) had a team-high 19 points and six rebounds, but he was just one of four Houston starters in double-figures. Leading scorer LJ Cryer (15.3 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.8 APG) added 14 and three boards.

The Public’s Picks for Houston vs BYU

The public has a strong play on the moneyline, spread, and game total, per today’s college basketball public betting splits. On the moneyline, the public is pounding Houston as a short favorite, putting 95% of moneyline handle on the favorites as of 2:31 pm ET.

But the script is flipped when it comes to the spread. The split isn’t quite as big, but BYU is getting 62% of ATS handle as seven-point underdogs.

With respect to the game total, the public – as it often does – loves the over. Currently 87% of O/U handle is on the over, along with 88% of the O/U tickets.

BYU vs Houston Prediction

The Cougars’ offense hit its stride against a very good Iowa State defense last night. The Cyclones, who sit 10th at KenPom in defensive efficiency, average just 68.1 PPG against and hadn’t given up more than 86 in regulation time all season. Yet BYU went off for 96 in just 40 minutes.

The Houston defense is an even bigger step up, sitting third out of all 364 DI teams in defensive efficiency. And BYU really struggled against Houston the first time around, going just 18-of-48 from the field (37.5%) and committing 15 turnovers in the 86-55 embarrassment. But I expect a much better performance from Richie Saunders and company tonight. They have now won nine straight games, covering the spread in eight.

BYU is also 3-1 against the spread in neutral-site games, while Houston is a stunning 0-5. (The Cougars were 17.5-point favorites over Colorado last night.) BYU might not keep its win streak alive, but they will put in a much better showing that the first time they met Houston this season.

BYU vs HOU Picks:

• BYU +7.0 (-110)
• Richie Saunders over 15.5 points (-110)

The Big 12 Semifinals are set to take place this weekend, with BYU facing off against Houston in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Both teams have had successful seasons so far, and fans are eagerly anticipating this showdown to see who will advance to the championship game.

When it comes to the odds for this game, sportsbooks have Houston listed as the slight favorite. The Cougars have been on a hot streak lately, winning their last five games and boasting a strong defense that has been able to shut down some of the top offenses in the country. On the other hand, BYU has also had a solid season, with their high-powered offense led by star quarterback Zach Wilson.

In terms of picks and predictions, this game is shaping up to be a close one. Both teams have shown that they are capable of putting up big numbers on offense, so it could come down to which defense is able to make the crucial stops when it matters most. Houston will be looking to contain Wilson and the BYU passing attack, while the Cougars will need to find a way to slow down Houston’s dynamic rushing attack.

Ultimately, this game could go either way, but it is sure to be a thrilling contest between two talented teams. Fans can expect a high-scoring affair with plenty of excitement and drama. Be sure to tune in to see who will come out on top and advance to the Big 12 championship game.