Houston Dominates Idaho in NCAAB Matchup
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 10:15 PM ET · Paycom Center
Houston Cougars 78, Idaho Vandals 47, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Idaho Vandals vs Houston Cougars?
Houston Cougars beat Idaho Vandals 78-47 at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026.
Who was favored in Idaho Vandals vs Houston Cougars?
Houston Cougars were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -8000 (about 99% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive victory, the Houston Cougars triumphed over the Idaho Vandals with a final score of 78-47 at the Paycom Center. This matchup showcased Houston's dominance, particularly as they entered the game with a strong home record of 29-6, while Idaho held a record of 21-15. The Cougars have been a formidable force, particularly at home, where they maintained a 5-1 record in their last six games.
Houston's recent form has been somewhat mixed, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games. They are currently on a one-game losing streak, having lost to the Arizona Wildcats just days before this contest. However, their scoring average of 74.4 points per game, coupled with an average of 66.9 points allowed, indicates a competitive edge. In their last five games, they averaged 75.0 points scored while allowing 66.2 points, which reflects their ability to maintain a solid defense.
Idaho, on the other hand, entered the game riding a five-game winning streak, boasting an impressive record of 8-2 in their last ten outings. They have averaged 78.6 points scored per game during this stretch, with an average of 69.4 points allowed. Their recent success included a victory over the Montana Grizzlies and a strong showing against the Eastern Washington Eagles. Idaho's away record stands at 5-1 in their last six games, showcasing their capability to perform outside their home venue.
In terms of previous meetings, there is no indication of past matchups between these two teams in the provided facts, which adds an element of intrigue to this encounter. Both teams brought their unique styles to the court, but Houston's home advantage proved to be a significant factor.
The odds for this game, as provided by DraftKings, indicated a heavy favorite in Houston, with a spread of -24.5. The total points line was set at 137.5, with odds of -115.0 for the over and -105.0 for the under. Houston's moneyline was listed at -8000.0, while Idaho's was at 2200.0, reflecting the market's expectations of a Houston victory.
The conditions of the game were favorable for both teams, with the Paycom Center providing a neutral ground for this matchup. As the game progressed, viewers saw Houston's offensive strategy unfold, with key plays contributing to their scoring. Notable moments included Mercy Miller making a series of three-pointers and a dunk that helped solidify Houston's lead in the second half.
As the game concluded, Houston's commanding performance left little doubt about their superiority in this contest, with a home win probability of 1.0 indicating their expected dominance. The Cougars effectively stifled Idaho's offense, limiting their scoring opportunities and capitalizing on their own. This victory not only showcases Houston's strength but also sets the stage for their continued pursuit of success in the tournament.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -24.5 | 137.5 o -115 / u -105 | Idaho Vandals +2200 · Houston Cougars -8000 |
Leaders
- PointsKingston Flemings18Houston Cougars
- AssistsKingston Flemings4Houston Cougars
- ReboundsChris Cenac Jr.18Houston Cougars
- PointsKolton Mitchell14Idaho Vandals
- AssistsBiko Johnson2Idaho Vandals
- ReboundsBiko Johnson6Idaho Vandals
Recent form
Houston Cougars
Last 10: 6-4Streak L174.4 scored · 66.9 allowed per game5-1 at home
- L74-79at Arizona WildcatsMar 14
- W69-47vs Kansas JayhawksMar 14
- W73-66vs BYU CougarsMar 12
- W82-75at Oklahoma State CowboysMar 7
- W77-64vs Baylor BearsMar 5
- W102-62vs Colorado BuffaloesFeb 28
- L56-69at Kansas JayhawksFeb 24
- L66-73vs Arizona WildcatsFeb 21
- L67-70at Iowa State CyclonesFeb 17
- W78-64vs Kansas State WildcatsFeb 14
Idaho Vandals
Last 10: 8-2Streak W578.6 scored · 69.4 allowed per game5-1 away
- W77-66at Montana GrizzliesMar 12
- W81-68at Eastern Washington EaglesMar 11
- W78-74at Montana State BobcatsMar 9
- W68-45vs Sacramento State HornetsMar 8
- W85-81at Eastern Washington EaglesMar 3
- L67-76vs Northern Colorado BearsFeb 28
- W78-58vs Northern Arizona LumberjacksFeb 27
- W86-80at Sacramento State HornetsFeb 22
- L67-77at Portland State VikingsFeb 20
- W99-69vs Idaho State BengalsFeb 14
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland State | 20-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Montana State | 18-14 | 1 | 12-6 |
| Eastern Washington | 14-19 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Northern Colorado | 20-12 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Montana | 18-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Weber State | 16-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Idaho | 21-15 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Sacramento State | 10-21 | 8 | 6-12 |
| Idaho State | 13-20 | 8 | 5-13 |
| Northern Arizona | 10-22 | 9 | 4-14 |
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Idaho Vandals | Houston Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 16-56 | 31-62 |
| Field goal % | 29 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 6-30 | 8-15 |
| Three-point % | 20 | 53 |
| Free throws | 9-15 | 8-11 |
| Free throw % | 60 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 47 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 39 |
| Assists | 8 | 10 |
| Steals | 5 | 8 |
| Blocks | 5 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 3 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 16 | 36 |
| Fouls | 13 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 33 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 6 | 91 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half16-33Jackson Rasmussen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half17-33Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 3
- 1st Half18-33Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 3
- 1st Half20-33Kolton Mitchell makes 17-foot jumper
- 1st Half20-35Kingston Flemings makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 1st Half20-37Kingston Flemings makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 1st Half20-39Mercy Miller makes driving layup
- 1st Half20-42Chris Cenac Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kingston Flemings assists)
- 1st Half20-44Joseph Tugler makes 7-foot floating jump shot (Milos Uzan assists)
- 1st Half21-44Isaiah Brickner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half22-44Isaiah Brickner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half22-46Milos Uzan makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 1st Half24-46Isaiah Brickner makes driving layup
- 1st Half24-48Chris Cenac Jr. makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot (Ramon Walker Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half25-48Brody Rowbury makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half25-49Joseph Tugler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half27-49Biko Johnson makes layup (Kolton Mitchell assists)
- 2nd Half27-51Joseph Tugler makes 2-foot dunk (Kingston Flemings assists)
- 2nd Half28-51Trevon Blassingame makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half29-51Trevon Blassingame makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half29-53Emanuel Sharp makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half32-53Kolton Mitchell makes 26-foot three point jumper (Seth Joba assists)
- 2nd Half33-53Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half33-55Joseph Tugler makes 3-foot dunk (Emanuel Sharp assists)
- 2nd Half33-57Chase McCarty makes driving layup (Kingston Flemings assists)
- 2nd Half33-59Joseph Tugler makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half35-59Trevon Blassingame makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half35-61Kingston Flemings makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half38-61Kolton Mitchell makes 26-foot three point jumper (Brody Rowbury assists)
- 2nd Half38-63Milos Uzan makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half38-65Emanuel Sharp makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half38-67Kingston Flemings makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half40-67Miles Klapper makes driving layup
- 2nd Half40-70Milos Uzan makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half43-70Biko Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Brickner assists)
- 2nd Half43-73Mercy Miller makes 28-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half45-73Brody Rowbury makes layup
- 2nd Half45-76Mercy Miller makes 27-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half45-78Mercy Miller makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half47-78Trevon Blassingame makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Houston Cougars, below favours Idaho Vandals.
Venue
- Paycom CenterOklahoma City, OK
- Attendance13815
- OfficialsPatrick Evans, Darron George, A.J. Desai
Elsewhere
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