Houston vs. Auburn Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Betting Preview for Nov. 16

A pair of ranked undefeated teams will face an early-season test, as I make my Houston vs. Auburn prediction for Sunday’s showdown at 3 p.m. ET at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala. (ESPN).

Houston, the No. 1 team in college basketball, is a 7.5-point betting favorite. However, the low total (139.5) suggests that No. 22 Auburn doesn’t have to do as much to stay within striking distance.

✅ Houston vs. Auburn prediction & expert picks

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📊 Houston vs. Auburn odds

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🏀 Houston vs. Auburn preview & score prediction

Sunday’s signature college hoops battle figures to be a rock fight, as evidenced by the low total. Houston has the top-ranked defense in the country, while Auburn ranks 40th in adjusted defensive efficiency.

Given the potential game script, I don’t think Auburn has to do too much to cover the 7.5-point spread to win us $9.09 on a $10 wager.

Auburn must avoid mistakes in defensive battle

The Cougars like to control any game with their physical defensive play. Not only are they first in adjusted defensive efficiency, but they are also 24th in turnover rate (23.6%). Their steal rate of 15.9% ranks ninth nationally.

If Auburn can take care of the rock, it will feel good about its chances. While that’s easier said than done, the Tigers are 50th with an offensive turnover rate of 13.7% through three games. They have coughed up an average of 10 turnovers per game.

As long as Auburn’s total turnovers don't climb too much, I like this team’s chances of playing well in a semi-home game. Today’s battle is the first true test of Steven Pearl’s coaching career. He took over for his dad, Bruce Pearl, as Auburn’s head coach over the summer.

The Tigers might not have the same coach on their bench, but they still have the talent that he recruited. This is their chance to make a statement by pushing the best team in college basketball.

Score prediction: Houston 73, Auburn 68

🆚 Houston vs. Auburn matchup to watch

Tahaad Pettiford vs. his own slow start

Auburn sophomore guard Tahaad Pettiford has gotten off to a slow start, averaging 11 points per game. He hasn’t scored more than 13 points in a contest yet this season.

As the lead guard, Pettiford is crucial to the Tigers’ chances of pulling off an upset. He knows that better than anyone after scoring 21 points in last year’s 74-69 win over the Cougars in only the second game of his collegiate career.

I doubt Pettiford will replicate last year’s showing, but his scoring prop provides a discount, considering his potential.

Best prop bet: Tahaad Pettiford Over 10.5 points (-108 via FanDuel)

📺 How to watch Houston vs. Auburn

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 16
• Tipoff: 3 p.m. ET
• Location: Legacy Arena (Birmingham, Ala.)
• TV: ESPN