College Basketball Betting Preview: Auburn Tigers vs Texas Longhorns
Game Overview
The No. 2 Auburn Tigers (13-1, 1-0 SEC) travel to Austin, Texas, to take on the Texas Longhorns (11-3, 0-1 SEC) on January 7, 2025. This pivotal SEC matchup tips off at 7:00 PM ET at the Moody Center and will be broadcast on ESPN2. Auburn looks to extend its six-game winning streak, while Texas aims to rebound after a disappointing loss to Texas A&M.
Betting Odds
| Outcome | Odds |
|---|---|
| Auburn -10.5 | -110 |
| Texas +10.5 | -110 |
| Total Over 152.5 | -105 |
| Total Under 152.5 | -115 |
| Auburn Moneyline | -600 |
| Texas Moneyline | +400 |
The Tigers are favored by 10.5 points in this matchup. With their dominant performances on both ends of the floor, Auburn is poised to cover the spread. The total is set at 152.5 points, which reflects the offensive capabilities of both teams.
Team Analysis
Auburn Tigers
The Auburn Tigers are among the hottest teams in college basketball, boasting a 13-1 record and a six-game winning streak. Johni Broome has been a standout, averaging 18.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 57% from the field. The Tigers are scoring 88.0 points per game, ranking them among the nation’s top offenses.
Defensively, Auburn allows just 65.1 points per game and excels in shot-blocking, averaging 6.7 blocks per game. Their balance on both ends of the floor makes them a formidable opponent for any team, especially a Texas squad coming off a blowout loss.
Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns have a solid 11-3 record but are coming off a lopsided 80-60 loss to Texas A&M in their conference opener. Tyrese Johnson leads the team with 19.0 points per game, but his efficiency has been inconsistent. Arthur Kaluma adds 8.4 rebounds per game, providing a strong interior presence.
Texas scores 82.7 points per game while allowing 63.3. However, they have struggled against elite competition, and their 0-1 SEC record highlights their difficulty in matching up with stronger teams like Auburn.
Recent Performance
Auburn Tigers
- 1/4/25: Defeated Missouri 84-68
- 12/30/24: Defeated Monmouth 87-58
- 12/21/24: Defeated Purdue 87-69
- 12/17/24: Defeated Georgia State 100-59
- 12/14/24: Defeated Oklahoma State 91-53
Texas Longhorns
- 1/4/25: Lost to Texas A&M 80-60
- 12/29/24: Defeated Northwestern State 77-53
- 12/19/24: Defeated New Orleans 98-62
- 12/15/24: Defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 121-57
- 12/12/24: Defeated New Mexico State 91-67
Key Matchups
Johni Broome vs. Arthur Kaluma: Broome’s ability to dominate in the paint will be tested against Kaluma’s rebounding and defensive skills. This battle will likely determine the game’s outcome.
Tyrese Johnson vs. Auburn’s Defense: Johnson needs to have a big game for Texas to have a chance. However, Auburn’s swarming defense could neutralize him.
Betting Trends
- Auburn is 4-1 against the spread (ATS) in its last five games.
- The total has gone under in three of Auburn’s last five games.
- Texas is 2-3 ATS in its last five games.
- The total has gone over in four of Texas’ last five games.
Prediction
Auburn’s dominance on both ends of the floor makes them the clear favorite in this matchup. With Johni Broome anchoring the paint and their defense limiting Texas’ scoring opportunities, the Tigers should cover the spread comfortably. Texas lacks the firepower and consistency to keep up with Auburn’s potent offense.
