NCAA Basketball Houston Cougars vs Alabama Crimson Tide: Odds, Tips and Predictions 11-26-24

On Tuesday, two of the top teams in the country will collide when Houston takes on Alabama in Las Vegas.

Already, we have witnessed both teams at their best and worst.

Houston has had success against Jackson State, Louisiana, and Hofstra; however, it fell short in its one major test against Auburn at a neutral site game.

Alabama boasts impressive victories against Illinois and McNeese but suffered its only loss at Mackey Arena against Purdue.

These two teams boast two of the strongest offenses in college basketball, ranking third (Alabama) and fourth (Houston). Both possess star power, depth, and athletes across their rosters.

Alabama plays according to Nate Oats’ principles, which fans have come to love—featuring plenty of 3-pointers and transition buckets without midrange shots. Unfortunately, their offense hasn’t run quite as smoothly this year yet.

Alabama has struggled mightily to hit shots from outside. Their 3-point percentage sits at an alarming 30%—easily the worst performance during the Oats era of Alabama’s football history.

Mark Sears’ shooting slump may be contributing to Oats’ slow start on offense, but part of it could also be personnel-related. Oats has employed an unorthodox jumbo lineup with Grant Nelson (a career 30% 3-point shooter), Jarin Stevenson (27% 3-point shooting), and Cliff Omoruyi (20%) at small forward, power forward, and center, respectively.

Houston Cougars vs Alabama Crimson Tide

• Point Spread: Houston -4.5
• Moneyline Alabama +158
• Moneyline Houston -192
• Over/Under 150.5

Oats continues his search for answers as his starting lineups change frequently. Although 4-1 so far, this Alabama team still appears unsure of its identity.

Houston would be an unwise opponent to come face to face if that is the case as their defense ranks third nationally for adjusted defensive efficiency and is one of only seven programs ranked top seven nationally for both block percentage and steal percentage. That makes handling their physicality and pressure difficult for Sears and freshman Labaron Philon – two teams which Sears may face off against against Houston later in his career.

Alabama may struggle from outside, while Houston has excelled at it – shooting 49% from deep this season for first place nationally in terms of shooting percentage.

Houston will likely follow Alabama’s example and rebound well from their disappointing showing against Purdue to secure a victory against Alabama after suffering defeat against Auburn.

Houston vs Alabama Moneyline

Both teams have moneyline value, but the best bet is Houston and give the points. To find the best line, you need accounts with multiple sportsbooks, and we got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

DraftKings

4.6/5

Tip: Bet Houston -4.5

• Cougars defense is suffocating
• Houston excels at shooting deep
• Alabama struggles shooting from outside

New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5+ Get $100 in Bonus Bets Instantly!

Open DraftKings

The best NCAA betting sites

To satisfy the ever-growing market of NCAA bettors, the best basketball sportsbooks offer unique user experiences, huge payouts, and fantastic bonuses. Gamers no longer have to go to casinos to find some physical action. Online bookies let you play the game of risk from the comfort of your own home. We hope our guide can point you in the right direction so you can find the best gambling experiences on the internet.

Best Brand

DraftKings Promo

New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5+ Get $100 in Bonus Bets Instantly!

Get bonus now

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in NH/OR/ONT/PR. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $100 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 5/31/26 at 11:59 PM ET.

Best Slots

FanDuel Promo

New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed – When You Bet $5 for 7 Days!

Get bonus now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, WV). Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.gamblersanonymous.org . Must be 21+ in NJ, PA, MI, or WV. $10 first deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus spins which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. Contact 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Newcomer

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Get bonus now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Award

Caesars Promo

Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets

–

21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

Houston vs Alabama Over/Under Analysis

I lean towards the under in this game as Houston’s defense will control the game . Bama doesn’t have the firepower to keep up against a suffocation Cougars defense.

DraftKings

4.6/5

Tip: Bet the under 150.5

• Houston defense is elite
• Neutral site
• Whoever controls the pace of the game wins

New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5+ Get $100 in Bonus Bets Instantly!

Open DraftKings

Prediction: This will be close most of the way, but expect the Cougars defensive pressure to take a toll in the second half. Houston 76  Alabama 68

Bet Houston -4.5