Longwood vs. Houston: Predictions, picks, odds for Friday March Madness game
Elizabeth FloresEditor's note: Follow all of Friday's men's March Madness scores, highlights, upsets and updates with USA TODAY Sports' live coverage.
The Houston Cougars, the No. 1 seed, will face the Longwood Lancers, the No. 16 seed, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Houston Cougars recently suffered a major upset in the Big 12 title game, losing 69-41 to Iowa State. However, despite the loss, they still managed to secure a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. L.J. Cryer has been instrumental in helping Houston make it to March Madness, with an average of 15.3 points per game this season.
Longwood won the Big South conference tournament, securing their second NCAA Tournament appearance in three years, after defeating UNC Asheville 85-59. Walyn Napper leads the Lancers with an average of 14.6 points per game this season.
March Boldness:Men's NCAA Tournament 2024: 10 bold predictions for March Madness
No. 16 Longwood Lancers vs. No. 1 Houston Cougars predictions
ESPN: Houston has a 98% chance to win
According to ESPN's Matchup Predictor, the Houston Cougars have a 98.6% chance of beating the Longwood Lancers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
BetMGM: Houston will win
Staff writes: "The winning team model predicts Houston will win this college basketball game with 95.0% confidence, based on game simulations, player injuries, key player performances and recent matchups."
Action Network: Houston
Shane McNichol writes: "The Lancers rank 257th in the nation in turnover rate, plus ranked last in that stat in Big South play by turning the ball over on more than 18% of their possessions. That’s blood in the water for a Houston team that ranked in the top three in the nation in forcing turnovers, steals and blocked shots. Houston played 11 games against teams outside KenPom’s top 100 this season. Those 11 opponents averaged 46.6 points against Houston. A pissed-off Cougars team that just got blown out in the Big 12 title game will smother Longwood. Look for Houston to not just cover, but for a devilishly low team total for the Lancers."
No. 16 Longwood Lancers vs. No. 1 Houston Cougars betting lines, odds
The Houston Cougars are favored to defeat the Longwood Lancers, according to the BetMGM odds.
Odds as of Friday:
- Spread: Houston (-24.5); Longwood (+24.5)
- Moneyline: Houston (-5000); Longwood (+1600)
- Total Over/Under: 128.5
Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering betting promos in 2024.
No. 16 Longwood Lancers vs. No. 1 Houston Cougars channel, steaming information
- Game day: Friday, March 22, 2024
- Game time: 9:20 p.m., ET
- TV channel: TNT
- Live stream: YouTubeTV
How to watch NCAA Men's Basketball March Madness 2024
All games will be broadcast on CBS, TBS, TNT and TruTV. Here are additional streaming options to watch all the action on your devices.
- Stream through Paramount+
- Stream through HULU with Live TV
- NCAA March Madness Live app
- Stream through DirecTV Stream
How to watch:Catch March Madness with a Fubo subscription
Printable March Madness bracket
You can find a printable bracket for the men's tournament here.
A women's tournament printable bracket is available here.
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