Houston vs. Memphis Odds, Spread & Tips for AAC Title Game

March 10, 2023; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway speaks to his players during the first half of the game against the UCF Knights at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

• Houston is a 5.5-point favorite over the Memphis Tigers in the AAC Tournament Finals on Sunday, March 12
• Memphis defeated Tulane 94-54 in the semifinals but lost to Houston twice that season
• Below are Houston v Memphis odds and tips for Sunday

Now, this AAC title game appears to be level between top-seeded Houston Cougars (30-2, 18-14 ATS) and second-seeded Memphis (24-8, 16-15-1 ATS). Houston swept Memphis but rarely during the regular season.

The odds makers are backing the Cougars for this game as the numbers range from around five to seven points depending on the side.

Houston vs Memphis Odds

Houston is #1 in the South region while Memphis is #8 in the East for the planned March Madness bracket. Houston is considered a favorite by March Madness odds.

The start of this duel is scheduled for Sunday, March 12 at 3:15 p.m. ET at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. The game will be featured on ESPN. Houston was set as the -250 favorite to win the conference tournament finals against the Tigers.

March 11 odds at Caesars Sportsbook.

Houston vs Memphis betting trends

People expected to gravitate more towards Houston for this third meeting of the season. Despite Memphis and their ability to stay close, public spread splits are again tilting in the Cougars’ favour. Public moneyline splits are again mostly within 5.5 to 6.5 points, which makes sense for a neutral side. Houston’s ability to play defense late in games is seen as a reason to side with the Cougars.

As for the 135 total points, the over/under is pretty good. Also consider that the first matchup scored 136 points overall, while the second scored 132 points. Memphis couldn’t break the pace of the mid-’60s, which speaks volumes for Houston’s defense. The Cougars held the Tigers to 35.8% shooting, compared to 44.2% in the first encounter. Both teams have athletics about them, but the Cougars showed that final kick.

Memphis fires in statement against Tulane

It’s the idea that Memphis started hot shooting and never really stopped against Tulane. The Tigers quickly went up more than 20 points and that lead kept growing. At the end of the game, the Green Wave was happy that it was over. When a game is decided by 40 points, even in a conference semifinal, it’s a real eye-opener.

GRANJA HIT IS A 3-POINTER… THE FIRST CAREER BASKET!

Memphis’ 40-point blowout against Tulane…a team that defeated Memphis in the regular season…is the biggest margin in a conference semifinals or finals.#GoTigersGo #Memphis #Memphis Tigers #Tulane pic.twitter.com/mHdhablQXK

— Steven (@stevenconway2) March 12, 2023

Memphis ranks 23rd in the nation with 79.5 points per game. Kendric Davis and Deandre Williams provide the 1-2 offensive hit (both from Houston, by the way) and average 38.5 points per fight. The senior duo is over-enthusiastic about this third meeting with the nation’s number one. When they met the second time, the two Texans ran a bit small. Now the Tigers have a chance to further their seeding in the tournament. In addition, they have a significant advantage.

Houston could do without Marcus Sasser

Yes, no Houston player tops the Wooden Awards odds as Kendric Davis (+22500) is an extreme long shot from Memphis at best. However, Marcus Sasser is the lifeblood of the Houston defense, leading the Cougars at 17.1 points per game. The groin injury he’s sustained makes one wonder how effective he can be on Sunday.

UH senior guard Marcus Sasser will be a game-time decider for tomorrow’s AAC tournament title game against Memphis.

He’s a big part of it @UHCougarMBK Team… and when he’s not playing, this battle-hardened team will no doubt try to give him another championship. @KHOU pic.twitter.com/YoQJej1Eci

– Daniel Gotera (@DTGoteraKHOU) March 12, 2023

Now Houston remains a dangerous team. After all, the Cougars blew out Cincinnati 69-48 as they held the Bearcats to 25 points in the second half. Jamal Shead and J’wan Roberts rose by 16 points each. Consider that Sasser only played nine minutes on Saturday. The Cougars showed great courage to hold down a 21-win Cincinnati team. Will Houston find a way to do it again Sunday afternoon? Frankly, this depends on Sasser and his ability to cheer on his teammates.

Houston vs Memphis Prediction

Memphis has the ability to beat Houston. Penny Hardaway feels little or no pressure here as the Tigers are just trying to improve their seeding. Houston remains a trending choice to win the national title while Memphis may be peaking at a good time. The safe choice seems to be taking Memphis with the points. Timing is everything, but a small bet for the Tigers to win straight away (+250) isn’t outrageous either.

Tip: Memphis Tigers +5.5 points (-110)

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