Florida Gators vs Houston Cougars Point Spread Picks

Houston made a miraculous comeback while defeating Duke 70-67 on Saturday for its 18th win in a row, holding the Blue Devils to one field goal in the last 10 1/2 minutes of the game. They did enough to contain Cooper Flagg, who finished with 27 points, while shooting just 8-for-19 and missing a step-back jumper in the lane in the final seconds. If the Cougars can handle the College Basketball Player of the Year, they can do the same to Florida's Walter Clayton Jr., who was the difference in the Gators' 79-73 victory over Auburn. Clayton scored 34 points on 11-for-18 shooting and hit all seven free throws. Houston has an experienced squad as L.J. Cryer is in his fifth college season, and he won a championship with Baylor in 2021. J'Wan Roberts is a 23-year-old senior who is also in his fifth season. The Cougars lead the country in defensive field goal percentage (.382) and points allowed (58.5). They have a tendency for slow starts offensively, and they scored only 28 points in the first half against Duke, but the stifling defense always keeps them in the game. Florida is 1-5 ATS in its past six games against the Big 12 Conference. Houston has covered five of its past seven games, and the Cougars have won 20 Monday games in a row. Take Houston on the moneyline and the first half UNDER.