Match Analysis: BYU Cougars vs Holy Cross Crusaders – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: 2025-11-08
- Time: 2:00 AM UTC
- Location: Marriott Center, Provo, Utah
Game Overview
No. 8 BYU Cougars (1-0), ranked in the top 10 nationally, face Holy Cross Crusaders (0-1), who are coming off a road loss at Providence. BYU is a huge home favorite by consensus odds, reflecting their reputation for dominant home-court play. Holy Cross showed offensive firepower in their opener but struggled defensively, especially inside.
Key Factors to Consider
- BYU opened the season with a defensive-minded 71-66 win over Villanova, showing improved discipline but not explosive scoring. Holy Cross lost 89-79 at Providence, surrendering 89 points on 53% shooting, while scoring efficiently themselves (41.5% FG, 33.3% 3PT).
- No recent H2H available, but BYU has won 19 straight non-conference home games and Holy Cross has lost 7 straight on the road, reinforcing the home-court edge[5].
- No notable injuries reported for either side.
- No significant betting line movement or external factors reported. Venue (Marriott Center) is a known tough environment for visitors.
- BYU is highly motivated to validate its national ranking and build NCAA tournament momentum. Holy Cross has nothing to lose as a heavy underdog, but must show defensive improvement to stay competitive.
Odds and Predictions
| Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread | BYU -36.5 -105 | Holy Cross to cover (+36.5) | β β β ββ 63% |
| Over/under | Over 164.5 -115 | Under 164.5 | β β β ββ 68% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
| Market | EV Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Home 0% |
| Spread | N/A |
| Over/Under | Under 164.5 13% |
π₯ Best Value Pick: Under 164.5 at 13% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 13.9% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
BYU asserts dominance at home, leveraging its size, experience, and defense to outclass Holy Cross, but Holy Cross' perimeter shooting keeps them from being blown out by the full spread as they did against Providence.
Predicted Score: BYU 78, Holy Cross 62