| MATCHUP | Houston Cougars | Texas Tech Red Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 17-2 | 16-4 |
| Where | United Supermarkets Arena, Lubbock, TX | |
| When | Saturday, January 24, 2026 | |
| Time | 02:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN | |
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
The Houston Cougars beat West Virginia and Arizona State, and they play TCU next. Houston has won 11 straight games.
The Houston Cougars are averaging 78.7 points on 44.9 percent shooting and allowing 60.1 points on 39.1 percent shooting. Emanuel Sharp is averaging 15.9 points and 3.2 rebounds, while Kingston Flemings is averaging 15.6 points and 3.4 rebounds. Milos Uzan is the third double-digit scorer and Chris Cenac Jr. is grabbing 7.6 rebounds. The Houston Cougars are shooting 34.2 percent from beyond the arc and 76.3 percent from the free throw line. The Houston Cougars are allowing 30.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.7 rebounds per game.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Preview
The Texas Tech Red Raiders beat BYU and Baylor, and they play UCF next. Texas Tech has won 4 straight games.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders are averaging 83.8 points on 47.3 percent shooting and allowing 73.2 points on 44.1 percent shooting. JT Toppin is averaging 21.6 points and 2.1 assists, while Christian Anderson is averaging 20.2 points and 3.5 rebounds. LeJuan Watts is the third double-digit scorer and Donovan Atwell is grabbing 3.1 rebounds. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are shooting 39.1 percent from beyond the arc and 70.3 percent from the free throw line. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are allowing 32 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.8 rebounds per game.
Why the Texas Tech Red Raiders will win
- Texas Tech has won each of its last 11 games at United Supermarkets Arena when playing with a rest disadvantage.
Why the Houston Cougars will win
- Houston has won each of its last 18 games against the Big 12 Conference.
- Texas Tech has lost nine of its last 10 games as a top-15 AP-ranked team against an AP-ranked team.
- Texas Tech has lost the first half in four of its last five games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Texas Tech’s last seven night games at United Supermarkets Arena have produced a total of 143+ points.
- Each of Houston’s last eight Saturday games against the Big 12 Conference Conference have produced a total of 137 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Texas Tech ranks 26th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (2.5).
- Texas Tech ranks 27th among Division 1 teams for opponent assists per game this season (10.9).
- Houston ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game this season (60.1).
- Houston ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (8.7).
Houston vs Texas Tech Prediction
Houston is going to get the benefit of the doubt more times than not, and it already beat Texas Tech this month. However, we’re getting a free bucket with a Texas Tech team that undefeated at home. Texas Tech is also one of the best offensive teams in the country and capable of defending well. At its best, Texas Tech is capable of beating anybody in the country. This is a good team you’re not going to get as a dog often this season. Texas Tech can win this game outright. Expect a dog fight that comes down to the wire. I want the free bucket in my pocket. Give me Texas Tech.