Northern Kentucky vs. Houston, 3/16/23 March Madness Betting Prediction & Odds

Northern Kentucky vs. Houston Prediction

After falling to Memphis in the AAC Tournament title game, will top-seeded Houston rebound with a win and a cover against 16-seed Northern Kentucky at 9:20 p.m. ET on Thursday?

Game Matchup & Betting Odds

749 Northern Kentucky Norse (+18.5) vs. 750 Houston Cougars (-18.5); o/u 121.5

9:20 p.m. ET, Thursday, March 16, 2023

Legacy Arena at BJCC, Birmingham, AL

Northern Kentucky vs. Houston Public Betting Information

Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 51% of public bettors are currently backing Houston when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.

Northern Kentucky Norse Notes

Sam Vinson finished Tuesday's 63-61 victory over Cleveland State with 16 points (6-12 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds, two assists and three steals in 38 minutes. Vinson posted double-digit points for the fifth straight game in Tuesday's win. His three steals were also crucial in Northern Kentucky securing their auto-bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Houston Cougars Notes

Marcus Sasser (groin) is a game-time decision before Houston's game Thursday against Northern Kentucky, according to Mark Berman of FOX 26. Unfortunately for Houston, Sasser's availability will not be known until right before the Cougars play their first-round game of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Previously, Sasser practiced before sitting out the 2023 AAC Championship final, in which Terrance Arceneaux started instead. However, his questionable status does not assure certainty that he will return on Thursday. If Sasser can't, the Cougars will have to defeat a No. 16 seed without him, which should not be a tall task though a loss is definitely possible.

Northern Kentucky vs. Houston CBB Betting Trends

Norse are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall

Norse are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win

Cougars are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall

Cougars are 49-17-1 ATS in their last 67 games following a ATS loss

Northern Kentucky vs. Houston CBB Prediction:

The under is 6-2 in the Cougars’ last eight neutral site games, is 42-20-1 in their last 63 games versus a team with a winning percentage above .600 and is 6-1-1 in their last eight games coming off a loss. On the other side, the under is 5-2 in the Norse’s last seven games overall, is 13-4 in their last 17 games coming off a win and is 4-0 in their last four games versus a team with a winning percentage above .600.

CBB BETTING PREDICTION: NORTHERN KENTUCKY/HOUSTON UNDER 121.5