Idaho and Houston meet in the Round of 64 on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 10:10 p.m. ET. Venue: neutral site (arena not listed in the odds feed provided).
Houston is priced as a heavy favorite with a 23.5-point spread and a mid-130s total. Houston finished 2nd in the Big 12, while Idaho comes out of the Big Sky after a late-season surge that carried into the conference tournament.
Odds
These odds are from Bookmaker.eu.
| Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Houston -23.5 (-110) | Idaho +23.5 (-110) | Houston -10000 | Idaho +3000 | Over 136.5 (-106) | Under 136.5 (-114) |
Odds as of 8:04 PM ET on March 16, 2026.
Team Snapshot
This table summarizes baseline form and profile stats entering the matchup.
| Team | Record | Last 10 | ATS | Off Eff | Def Eff | Tempo | Key Injury Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | 21-14 (Home 9-4 | Away 7-9 | Neutral 5-1) | 8-2 | 16-16-0 | 78.7 PPG | 72.6 PPG allowed | N/A | No injury information listed in the team/odds pages used for this preview. |
| Houston | 28-6 (Home 15-1 | Away 6-3 | Neutral 5-1) | 7-3 | 16-18-0 | 77.6 PPG | 62.7 PPG allowed | N/A | No injuries listed in the most recent team report. |
Recent Form & Statistical Edge
Idaho Vandals
Idaho closed with momentum, going 8-2 over its last 10 and 5-1 on neutral floors this season. Offensively, the Vandals average 78.7 PPG on 44.8% shooting, with a major piece being volume from deep: 10.0 made 3s per game at 35.6%.
On the other end, Idaho allows 72.6 PPG and has been more vulnerable to 3-point shooting (opponents 34.3%). The ball security profile is closer to average: 10.6 turnovers per game with only a +0.3 turnover margin, so it can be pressured out of clean possessions.
Houston Cougars
Houston’s defensive baseline is the biggest separator: 62.7 PPG allowed, with opponents held to 40.3% from the field and 31.5% from 3. That pairs with an elite possession control profile: 8.3 turnovers per game, while forcing 13.9.
Offensively, Houston is efficient without needing a fast game, scoring 77.6 PPG and shooting 34.5% from 3 while limiting opponents to 6.8 made 3s per game. Houston is also battle-tested away from home with a combined 11-4 record in away/neutral games (6-3 away, 5-1 neutral).
Matchup Keys
- Turnovers: Houston’s +5.6 turnover margin is a major edge vs Idaho’s +0.3, and that gap often decides first-round games with big spreads.
- 3-point defense: Idaho makes 10.0 threes per game, but Houston holds opponents to 31.5% from 3 (and 6.8 made threes per game).
- Shot quality defense: Houston holds opponents to 40.3% FG, while Idaho allows 43.1% FG. That favors Houston’s ability to create separation without a track meet.
- Rebounding: Both teams rebound well (Idaho +4.3 per game, Houston +3.0), so Idaho’s best path to hang around is converting extra chances plus hot shooting from deep.
- Total environment: Both teams have leaned Under this season (Houston 14-20 O/U, Idaho 13-19), and Houston’s defensive scoring suppression is consistent game to game.
Best Bet
Under 136.5 (-114)
Houston’s defense (62.7 PPG allowed, opponents 40.3% FG, 31.5% from 3) is built to flatten opponent efficiency, and it also creates empty Idaho possessions via turnovers. Idaho can score, but its offense is 3-point volume driven, and Houston’s perimeter results have been strong all season.
On the trend side, both teams have played more Unders than Overs (Houston 14-20, Idaho 13-19), which fits a first-round setup where the favorite is comfortable winning with defense and half-court control.
Projected Score
Houston 76, Idaho 56
21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.