Rider vs. Houston Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Betting Preview for Nov. 20

The No. 2 Houston Cougars (4-0) should continue to roll tonight as a 40.5-point betting favorite against the Rider Broncs (1-3), as I break down in my Rider vs. Houston prediction ahead of their 9 p.m. ET tipoff (TNT) at Fertitta Center in Houston.

✅ Rider vs. Houston prediction & expert picks

See all of our experts' college basketball picks this week.

🏀 Rider vs. Houston preview & score prediction

There is no reason to put the Cougars on upset alert in this one. Coming off a narrow win over Auburn on Sunday, Houston is projected to roll against Rider. KenPom projects a final score of 84-53 in Houston’s favor.

However, that suggests value on the underdogs from a spread perspective.

Can Rider score enough to cover?

Most teams struggle to find offensive success against Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars. They lead the country in adjusted defensive efficiency through four games, having held three of their opponents to 57 points or fewer. Auburn scored 72.

Rider, which ranks 318th in adjusted offensive efficiency, hasn’t scored more than 65 points in a game this season. The Broncs have a team total of 46.5, which feels about right against the best defensive team in the nation.

But the closer the Broncs get to their team total (or even surpass it), the better their odds of covering a 40.5-point spread. This will be a slow game, with Rider ranking 264th in tempo and Houston being even slower at 356th.

It might seem gross, but I’m taking the points tonight.

Score prediction: Houston 85, Rider 50

🆚 Rider vs. Houston matchup to watch

The Cougars vs. a letdown spot

There are situational spots worth exploring in college hoops. This is a prime example of one. Houston is coming off a 73-72 victory over Auburn in its most challenging game of the season.

Now, the Cougars have one last tuneup before heading to Las Vegas for a few marquee matchups during Fest Week. If I were a Houston player, I’d have a hard time getting up for Thursday’s game against Rider.

It doesn’t hurt that the Cougars haven’t scored more than 78 points in a game this season. Their style of play isn’t as conducive to high totals. The Under on their team total has slight value. Our Mike Spector has more props worth tailing in his college basketball best bets.  

Best prop bet: Houston team total Under 87.5 points (-115 via BetMGM)

📊 Rider vs. Houston odds

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📺 How to watch Rider vs. Houston

• Date: Thursday, Nov. 20
• Tipoff: 9 p.m. ET
• Location: Fertitta Center (Houston)
• TV: TNT