The Syracuse Orange will see if their hot start can continue against better competition as they take on the Houston Cougars in a battle of undefeated schools at the Players Era tournament in Las Vegas.
The Cougars play slowly, and the Orange have been solid on defense, both of which have my Syracuse vs. Houston predictions betting on the Under.
Let’s break down this tournament matchup with my free college basketball picks on Monday, November 24.
Syracuse vs Houston prediction
Syracuse vs Houston best bet: Under 141.5 (-110)
The Syracuse Orange are off to their first 4-0 start since 2017, but that fact comes with some major caveats.
The Orange have played a weak schedule – by some measures, the weakest of any Division 1 team – and still found themselves in a tight game last week when they beat the Monmouth Hawks 78-73.
Still, aspects of Syracuse's approach are clearly working. The Orange are holding opponents to just 31.0% shooting, the lowest number in the country, and they’re only allowing 23.0% shooting from 3-point range.
Those numbers are sure to take a hit against the competition in Las Vegas, starting with the Houston Cougars.
The Cougars are a fairly efficient offensive team, ranking 27th in the nation in offensive rating according to KenPom. But for our purposes, it’s important to note that Houston plays at an extremely slow pace, which grinds games to a halt even as the Cougars wear down and outplay opponents.
Throw in the fact that Houston might be the single best defensive team in the country, and we have the recipe for a low-scoring game in the tournament opener.
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Syracuse vs Houston same-game parlay
While I expect these teams to keep the scoring down tonight, that doesn’t mean it will be close. Houston is far and away the more talented and experienced squad, and Syracuse’s weak schedule will come back to bite it as the Cougars win in a blowout.
Syracuse vs Houston SGP
- Under 141.5
- Houston -14.5
Syracuse vs Houston odds
- Spread: Syracuse +14.5 (-110) | Houston -14.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Syracuse +850 | Houston -1400
- Over/Under: Over 141.5 (-110) | Under 141.5 (-110)
Syracuse vs Houston betting trend to know
The Under is 5-1 in Syracuse’s last six games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Syracuse vs. Houston.
How to watch Syracuse vs Houston
| Location | MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas, NV |
| Date | Monday, November 24, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
Syracuse vs Houston key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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