One of the feel-good stories about this NCAA tournament is Idaho making the field. Few, if any, expected it. It's the first time the Vandals have made the NCAA Tournament since 1990. The Vandals have a puncher's chance because of their 3-point shooting. They are 12-0 when making 12 or more 3-pointers. Idaho ranks 44th in 3-point accuracy. Houston has a very strong defense. However, it isn't at the level of its historic levels from the past couple of seasons. The weakest part of the Cougars' defense is guarding against 3-pointers. Houston ranks 56th in 3-point defense. Idaho doesn't have anywhere near Houston's talent and athleticism, but the Vandals can shoot and make 3-pointers, and they have heart. The Vandals proved that when they won four games in five days to capture the Big Sky Tournament. Take Idaho.
Previous Matchups & Picks
March 19, 2026 10:10pm ET
vs.
Idaho Vandals
#731
Houston Cougars
#732
Lines & Odds
+24.5 (-110)
ATS
-24.5 (-110)
+2134
Moneyline
-474732
OVER 137.5 (-110)
Total
UNDER 137.5 (-110)
Vandals vs. Cougars Spread Picks
Get Vandals vs. Cougars point spread picks, expert spread analysis, computer model picks, betting consensus data, matchup breakdowns, key betting angles, and the latest odds insights for today's Vandals vs. Cougars game.
Public Consensus
Who was the public on? 63% of the public bets were on Houston Cougars on the -24.5 ATS. And, 55% of the bets were on the game to go OVER the total.
Computer Predictions
My computer prediction for this game was that Houston would win by a score of 81.0 to 58.7 with Houston winning on the moneyline, Idaho winning on the spread and the game going OVER the total.
Pro Picks
This Pro Pick was released to clients on March 19, 2026 at 9:47AM ET.
Idaho vs. Houston
March 19, 2026
Final Score
1H
2H
F
Idaho Vandals
48
23
47
Houston Cougars
48
30
78
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