The top-seed in the Midwest, the Houston Cougars (30-4) take the court in their first game of the 2025 NCAA Tournament against the 16-seed SIUE Cougars (22-11). Houston won the Big 12 Tournament and SIUE won the Ohio Valley Conference.

Houston looks to begin their March Madness run as they face SIUE. It’s time to continue our College Basketball odds series with an SIUE-Houston prediction and pick. SIUE was 22-11 this year while going 13-7 in conference play.

The Houston Cougars fell short of the Final Four in each of the last two years after seizing a No. 1 seed in the men's NCAA tournament. Kelvin Sampson 's squad now hopes to avoid a three-peat as the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region for the 2025 edition of March Madness.

Houston knew it was going to be a top seed in the NCAA Tournament on Selection Sunday. But now, the Cougars know for sure which region they are headed to later on in the week. Houston was named the No.

The top-seeded Houston Cougars have been knocking on the door in recent seasons and now appear primed to make a championship run.