UPDATE: Texas Tech’s Red Raiders deliver a stunning upset, defeating No. 6 Houston Cougars 90-86 on January 20, 2024. This victory not only halts Houston’s impressive winning streak but also showcases Texas Tech’s relentless toughness, spearheaded by star player JT Toppin, who recorded a remarkable 31 points and 12 rebounds.
The game, held at Texas Tech’s home arena in Lubbock, Texas, featured a fierce battle that saw both teams trading leads throughout. Houston, led by freshman sensation Kingston Flemings, who scored an astonishing 42 points, found themselves on the losing end despite their best efforts. Houston coach Kelvin Sampson acknowledged Texas Tech’s dominance on the boards, stating, “They did an awesome job on the offensive boards. They did to us what we’ve made a living doing to other people.”
Texas Tech (now 16-4, 6-1 Big 12) finished with a significant 44-28 rebounding advantage, including 21 offensive boards that contributed to 22 second-chance points. Coach Grant McCasland praised his team’s grit, saying, “There were some haymakers being thrown in that game… It’s not an easy way to play.” His mantra, “Toughest Team Wins,” was clearly reflected in their performance.
With this victory, Texas Tech extends its winning streak to five games since suffering a previous loss to Houston on January 6. The Cougars, who had entered the game with an 11-game winning streak overall and a Big 12-record 16 consecutive true road wins, now face a reality check. Houston’s defense, known for allowing only 60.1 points per game, was tested like never before, with the Red Raiders scoring 55 points in the first half — the highest total allowed in a half during Sampson’s twelve-year tenure.
Flemings’ impressive performance ties for the most points ever scored by a Houston player against a Top 25 opponent, highlighting his potential as a future star. “Kingston put us on his back and put us in position to win the game,” Sampson commented, although he noted, “We just didn’t do a very good job on the boards.”
The game featured eight lead changes and ties, showcasing the intensity as Houston held a lead for over 18 minutes. However, Texas Tech’s decisive plays in the final minutes, including a go-ahead three-pointer from Donovan Atwell, secured the victory. The Red Raiders remain undefeated at home this season, boasting an 11-0 record on their court.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Texas Tech as they look to maintain this momentum and challenge for a top spot in the Big 12. Meanwhile, Houston will seek to rebound from this loss as they prepare for upcoming matchups.
This thrilling game not only impacts rankings but also ignites excitement around college basketball, making it a must-watch for fans and analysts alike.
