What's Happening?
The Houston Cougars, ranked No. 7, extended their winning streak to 11 games with a decisive 103-73 victory over Arizona State. The game, held on January 18, 2026, saw Houston take a commanding lead early on, with a 27-point advantage at halftime. Kingston Flemings led the Cougars with 20 points and eight assists, while Chris Cenac Jr. contributed 18 points and eight rebounds. The Cougars' offensive prowess was evident as they shot 55% in the first half and 56% overall, making 12 of 25 three-pointers. Houston's defense was equally impressive, forcing 17 turnovers and converting them into 31 points. Arizona State's Andrija Grbovic led his team with 14 points, but the Sun Devils struggled to close the gap, trailing by as much as 33 points in the second
half.
Why It's Important?
This victory solidifies Houston's position as a formidable team in the Big 12 Conference, with a record of 17-1 overall and 5-0 in conference play. The Cougars' ability to maintain a high level of performance both offensively and defensively highlights their potential as a strong contender in the upcoming NCAA tournament. The win also marks Houston's 15th consecutive home victory, underscoring their dominance on their home court. For Arizona State, the loss adds to their challenges this season, as they fall to a 10-8 overall record and 1-4 in conference play. The game serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of college basketball and the importance of maintaining consistency throughout the season.
What's Next?
Houston is set to face No. 15 Texas Tech in their next game, which will be a significant test of their abilities against another top-ranked team. The outcome of this matchup could have implications for their ranking and seeding in the NCAA tournament. Arizona State will need to regroup and address their defensive shortcomings as they prepare for their upcoming games. Both teams will be looking to make adjustments and improve their strategies as the season progresses.
