Houston Aims for Payback Against Texas Tech in Big 12 Showdown

Can No. 5 Houston Get Revenge on No. 9 Texas Tech?

The Houston Cougars are rolling through the Big 12, but there’s still one team standing in their way—Texas Tech.

With just four games left in the regular season, Houston (23-4, 15-1 Big 12) has a comfortable lead in the standings. But if they want to secure the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament, they need to settle some unfinished business.

Why? Because the Red Raiders (21-6, 12-4) are the only team to beat Houston in Big 12 play this season.

And now, Houston has a chance for revenge—but they’ll have to do it on the road.

Houston’s Dominance Put to the Test

Houston is coming off a statement win over No. 8 Iowa State, where they built a 16-point lead before grinding out a 68-59 victory. L.J. Cryer dropped 28 points, proving once again that the Cougars know how to close.

Head coach Kelvin Sampson isn’t dwelling on the loss to Texas Tech but recognizes the challenge ahead.

“Let’s not sit here and slice and dice being 15-1,” Sampson said. “Texas Tech has a great program, and so does Houston. When you’re missing players, teams just find a way to compete.”

Houston has already beaten four ranked Big 12 teams, but this one feels different.

Texas Tech Knows How to Beat Houston

Last time these teams met, Texas Tech pulled off an overtime thriller—82-81 in Houston, snapping the Cougars’ 33-game home win streak (the longest in the country at the time).

That win was a defining moment for the Red Raiders. Now, they have a chance to prove it wasn’t a fluke.

Texas Tech is coming off a dominant 73-51 win over West Virginia, where JT Toppin scored 22 points and Christian Anderson put up a career-high 21.

Their coach Grant McCasland knows exactly what it will take to beat Houston again.

“You have to be willing to put your nose right in the middle,” McCasland said. “Nobody does that better than Houston. If we want to be the program that everyone loves, this game will be a great barometer for what our grit level is.”

What’s at Stake?

• Houston wants revenge. Texas Tech ruined their perfect Big 12 record—can they even the score?
• Texas Tech wants respect. They already proved they can beat Houston once—can they do it again?
• A win for Houston locks up the No. 1 seed. A Texas Tech win would shake up the Big 12 race.

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This rematch is more than just another game—it’s a battle for momentum, pride, and control of the Big 12.

Tip-off is set for Monday. Get ready for a war