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The Texas Longhorns (14-6) are hosting the No. 4 Houston Cougars (18-2) in a Big 12 tilt on Monday. This will be just the second game in history between these programs. The last took place in 2013 when the Cougars edged the Longhorns 73-72. Houston joined the Big 12 in July 2023, but it will be a short overlap with Texas as the Longhorns move to the SEC next season. 

Tipoff from the Moody Center in Austin is set for 9 p.m. ET. The Cougars are 5-point favorites in the latest Houston vs. Texas odds from SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 130.5. Before making any Texas vs. Houston picks, be sure to see the college basketball predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The model simulates every Division I college basketball game 10,000 times. It enters Week 12 of the 2023-24 season on a 114-73 roll on all top-rated college basketball picks dating back to last season, returning more than $2,000 for $100 players. It is also off to a sizzling 19-5 start on top-rated spread picks this season. Anyone following has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Houston vs. Texas and revealed its CBB picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several college basketball odds and trends for Texas vs. Houston:

  • Houston vs. Texas spread: Cougars -5
  • Houston vs. Texas over/under: 130.5 points
  • Houston vs. Texas money line: Cougars -222, Longhorns +181
  • TEX: Texas has won 16 of last 20 games at home
  • HOU: Houston has hit the 1H ML in 30 of last 35 games
  • Houston vs. Texas picks: See picks at SportsLine 

Why Houston can cover

Senior guard Jamal Shead is a strong contributor in the backcourt for Houston. Shead has impressive athleticism when attacking the lane and gliding in open space. The Texas native owns the confidence to run the offense as well. He's third in the Big 12 in assists (5.9) with 11.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. He dropped 17 points, three assists and two steals in his last game.

Senior forward J'Wan Roberts plays with a high motor in the frontcourt. Roberts does a great job making hustle plays and creating more opportunities for his team. The 6-foot-7 forward leads the team in rebounds (7.1) with 8.4 points and 1.1 steals per game. In Saturday's win over Kansas State, Roberts dropped 14 points and six boards. See which team to pick here.

Why Texas can cover

Senior guard Max Abmas is a pure scorer and ball-handler for the Longhorns. He leads the team in scoring (17.6) with 4.3 assists per game. Additionally, he shoots 40% from beyond the arc. Abmas dropped 22 points, four rebounds and three assists on Jan. 23.

Sophomore forward Dillon Mitchell provides Texas with a big-time athlete in the frontcourt. The Florida native averages 10.6 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. On Jan. 17, Mitchell logged 15 points and nine boards. See which team to pick here.

How to make Houston vs. Texas picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 140 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread is the better value. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine. 

So who wins Texas vs. Houston, and which side of the spread is the better value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that is on a 19-5 roll on its top-ranked college basketball picks, and find out.