Houston vs. Arkansas Picks and Prediction for Saturday, December 20, 2025

By: Dylan Hellebrand Published 12/20/2025, 01:00 AM ET
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On Saturday, the Houston Cougars (10-1) face off against the Arkansas Razorbacks (9-2) in the Never Forget Tribute Classic at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This game will air on CBS. Keep up to date with all the NCAAB action, with our College Basketball predictions.

Houston vs. Arkansas Game Information

  • December 20, 2025
  • 5:30pm EST
  • Prudential Center
  • CBS

Arkansas Form & Recent Results

Arkansas rolls into this matchup riding the momentum of a four-game winning streak, having taken four of their last five games this season. Their most recent triumph was especially impressive, as they put up 108 points against Queens University, cruising to a 108-80 victory behind Trevon Brazile’s standout 26-point performance. Darius Acuff Jr. has been Arkansas’s top scoring threat, putting up an average of 18.2 points per game. Trevon Brazile has also played a key role both offensively and on the boards, averaging 15.1 points and leading the team with 7.1 rebounds per contest. When it comes to sharing the basketball, Acuff Jr. again stands out as the team’s leader, averaging 6.1 assists per game so far this year. Over their last five games, the Razorbacks have been firing on all cylinders offensively, putting up an impressive 88.6 points per game. With their offense clicking at just the right time, Arkansas will be looking to keep that rhythm going as they face off against Houston, hoping their recent run of strong play helps them seize another important win this season.

Houston Form & Recent Results

Houston comes into this game riding the momentum of a four-game winning streak, taking care of business in four of their last five matchups. In their recent dominant 99-57 victory over New Orleans, Chris Cenac Jr. made a big impact, putting up 15 points for the Cougars. Throughout this season, Emanuel Sharp has been Houston’s go-to scorer, averaging an impressive 17.2 points per game. Right behind him is Kingston Flemings, who has contributed solidly with an average of 14.8 points each game. On the boards, Chris Cenac Jr. has also stood out, averaging 7.5 rebounds per contest, making him their top rebounder. When it comes to finding open teammates, Milos Uzan has been the team’s chief playmaker with an average of 5.1 assists this year. Over their last five games, Houston has put up an average of 80 points, and they’ll be aiming to keep up that strong form while trying to avoid just their second loss of the season. Up next, they've got a big-time game against Arkansas in Newark, making this an important test for the Cougars.

Key Players

  • Houston’s Chris Cenac Jr. this season: 7.5 rebounds per game
  • Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. this season: 18.2 points, 6.1 assists per game

Betting Odds & Market Overview:

  • HOU -4.5; O/U 144.5

Houston vs. Arkansas Picks and Prediction

This clash between top-15 teams Houston and Arkansas promises to be an exciting and closely contested game. Both squads have found their stride lately, each winning four of their past five games, and they’re coming into this matchup with their offenses firing on all cylinders. As they face off in the Never Forget Tribute Classic in Newark, both teams will be hungry to prove themselves this season. The key will likely be which side brings more intensity and takes control early. Whichever team sets the tone from the jump will have a strong chance to come away victorious. Final Score Prediction, Houston Cougars win and cover the spread, 80-71. The best sportsbooks are the best way to go when you are betting on Houston. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Arkansas with the Onyx Odds promo code. Getting the most out of your bets on Houston vs Arkansas can be done by using the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

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