Expert prediction
NCAA First Round: Idaho vs Houston Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 19)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Vandals make their fifth appearance in March Madness, first since 1990.
- The Cougars seek a second straight run to the national championship game.
- This marks the second all-time matchup between the two squads.
The final game of the March 19 schedule for the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament features the Idaho Vandals and the Houston Cougars. The latter stands out as the dominant favorite, showing that the underdogs can make noise in this matchup that can shake up the tournament picture.
How to Watch
- When: Thursday, Feb. 19, 10:10 pm ET
- Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- How to Watch: truTV
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | -110 | +24 | O 138 |
| Houston | -110 | -24 | U 138 |
Game Preview
The Vandals (21-14) secured its fifth conference title with a 77-66 victory over Montana in the Big Sky Tournament, punching its fifth-ever ticket to March Madness and its first since 1990. They became the first team in conference history to earn a championship by winning four straight games in five days. Jackson Rasmussen earned the league’s Freshman of the Year award, Isaiah Brickner was named Top Reserve, and Kolton Mitchell received Honorable Mention All-Big Sky.
The Cougars (28-6) are back in the NCAA Tournament with the hope of reaching the national championship game for the second straight year. They reached the final of the Big 12 Tournament before losing to Arizona for the conference title. Kingston Flemings has led the charge for the Cougars as one of three players to start all 34 games this season, scoring 16.4 points a game off a 47.5% shooting clip and dishing out 5.3 assists.
Idaho vs Houston Head-to-Head
The two programs are facing each other for the second time in their respective histories. The first game took place in December 1963 when Houston secured a 76-61 win.
Idaho vs Houston Predictions
The winner of Thursday night’s contest will advance to the second round, facing off with the winner of #7 Saint Mary’s and #10 Texas A&M. All eyes will be on Houston, who looks to get back to the national championship game like they did last year. This presents a lot of pressure on them, revealing an opportunity for Idaho to get off to a promising start. However, it will be for naught if they don’t slow down Kingston Flemings. Our betting pick here is the Cougars to defend a 24-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Houston Cougars -24
NCAAB
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