Big 12 Battle: No. 7 Houston vs. Utah

No. 7 Houston welcomes Utah on Wednesday for a Big 12 showdown that’s packed with drama and stakes. Both teams are bringing their best to the table.

Houston Cougars: On a Winning Tear

Houston (14-3, 6-0 Big 12) is on fire with a 10-game win streak. Their latest victory, a nail-biting 69-68 comeback against UCF, showed their grit and ability to perform under pressure. J’Wan Roberts’ last-second bucket sealed the deal and extended their incredible 32-game home win streak—the longest in the nation.

Even with some off moments like poor shooting, Houston’s defense and rebounding were clutch. Coach Kelvin Sampson summed it up best: “Winning is about figuring it out.” This team is locked in with a championship vibe.

Utah Utes: Gaining Momentum

Utah (11-6, 3-3) has flipped their season around with three straight wins after a rocky start in conference play. Their 73-72 thriller over BYU was a big-time confidence boost. Coach Craig Smith is pumped about his team’s growth, saying they’re learning how to win through hard work and sacrifice.

Ezra Ausar was a star against BYU with 26 points, and Lawson Lovering chipped in with 13 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. If Gabe Madsen, their top scorer (15.8 PPG), can rebound from his tough BYU game, Utah could make things interesting.

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Why It Matters

Houston is the favorite with their dominance and home advantage, but Utah’s recent surge makes them a sneaky underdog. This game is a chance for the Utes to prove they can hang with the big dogs and for Houston to show why they’re one of the best.

What to Expect

Houston’s homecourt energy and tough defense make them the likely winners, but Utah’s fight and confidence could keep it close. Expect a high-energy game with both teams leaving it all on the court.