Houston vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Prediction & Picks - NCAA Men

Prediction published on 1/6/26, 5:08 PM  by Travis Pulver | Modified on 1/13/26 at 9:08 AM in Basketball Picks

The No. 7 Houston Cougars (13-1, 1-0 Big 12) will try to remain undefeated in conference play when they host the No. 14 Texas Tech Red Raiders (11-3, 1-0 Big 12) tonight at the Fertitta Center in Houston, TX, at 9 p.m. EST with coverage provided by FS1.

Houston opened the season as one of the favorites to win the national championship this season. Their odds have increased since the start of the season, going from +900 prior to the start of the season to +1500 as of January 6. Texas Tech has had an even bigger fall, going from +1500 to +4000. Why the dip? It is likely due in part to other teams playing better and against tougher competition. Houston hasn’t done anything to really distinguish itself as a contender. The Cougars have faced three ranked teams in their nonconference schedule and lost to then-No. 17 Tennessee. As for Texas Tech, the Red Raiders had a more formidable nonconference schedule, facing their first ranked opponent in the third game of the season and falling to then-No. 14 Illinois. They followed that loss up with their second a few days later to then-No. 1 Purdue by 30 points, 86-56. But after losing to then-No. 17 Arkansas 93-86 on December 13, they took down then-No. 3 Duke at home 82-81 prior to Christmas.