- Matchup: Idaho Vandals vs. Houston Cougars
- Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
- Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
- Broadcast: truTV
- Betting Odds: Houston favored by 24 points
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The Idaho Vandals (21-14) will clash with the Houston Cougars (28-6) at the Paycom Center on Thursday in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Odds makers have listed Idaho as 24-point underdogs, with a total set at 137.5.
In their previous matchup, the Idaho Vandals secured a victory against Montana with a score of 77-66. Idaho committed 15 fouls, while Montana had 22. The Vandals made 6 out of 25 three-point attempts (24%). Montana shot 76.2% from the free-throw line, hitting 16 of 21 attempts. The Vandals out-rebounded Montana 38-25 (11 offensive boards). Idaho forced 12 turnovers and made 8 steals, while Montana recorded 7 assists and 6 steals. Idaho ended with a field goal percentage of 40.7% (24 of 59) and converted 5 out of 21 three-pointers.
Isaiah Brickner proved to be a key player for Idaho, posting 23 points on 7 of 17 shooting, along with 10 rebounds, despite not contributing any assists in his 33 minutes on the court.
Idaho finishes the season with a 21-14 record, averaging 78.7 points per game (108th in the nation) while shooting 44.8% from the field. The Vandals have a three-point shooting percentage of 35.6%, making 349 of 981 attempts, along with a free-throw percentage of 73.5%. They average 37.4 rebounds per game and have recorded a total of 439 assists, ranking 199th in the nation. The team averages 10.6 turnovers and 18.2 personal fouls per game.
On the defensive side, Idaho averages forcing 10.8 turnovers each game, while allowing 18.7 personal fouls. Opponents score 34.3% from beyond the arc, and Idaho ranks 139th in points allowed, giving up an average of 72.6 per game. They allow an opposing field goal percentage of 43.1%, resulting in a total of 402 assists allowed this season, ranking 98th in the country.
In their last contest, the Houston Cougars fell short against Arizona, losing 79-74. Houston recorded 30 defensive rebounds and 10 offensive boards, totaling 40 for the game. They committed 5 turnovers but managed to secure 4 steals. Arizona committed 11 fouls, leading to 14 free throw attempts for the Cougars, of which they converted 10 (71.4%). From three-point range, Houston made 8 of 21 attempts (38.1%). They shot 43.8% from the field, converting 28 of 64 shots while allowing Arizona to shoot 46.3% (25 of 54 attempts). Houston restricted Arizona to 33 total rebounds (13 offensive).
Joseph Tugler was a standout for Houston, contributing 20 points with 3 assists in 35 minutes and securing 10 rebounds. His field goal percentage was notably high at 60.0%, shooting 9 of 15.
Houston boasts a record of 28-6 this season. The Cougars average 18.0 personal fouls per game and shoot 77.2% from the charity stripe. They average 14.7 assists per game (125th in D-1) while averaging only 8.5 turnovers. The team has scored a total of 2,623 points this season, averaging 77.1 points per game, and they record an average of 36.6 rebounds per contest, with a field goal percentage of 45.0%, ranking 191st nationally.
The Houston defense limits opponents to 32.1% shooting from beyond the arc (233 of 726), while allowing free throw shooting at 69.8%. They permit 11.2 assists and 33.5 rebounds per game, making them 30th and 120th in the nation, respectively. Houston ranks 2nd in the nation for points allowed per game, giving up just 62.9 and forcing 13.7 turnovers while holding opponents to a 40.0% shooting percentage (18th in the country).
Will tonight’s NCAA game tilt in favor of the spread?
Prediction: Take Houston (-24)
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