In a rematch of one of the stunning early results from last season, Houston and Auburn reconvene for another huge matchup early in the season. Last year, the Tigers came to Houston and got a major win away from that helped jumpstart both seasons, as these teams both found themselves in the Final Four last season. However, things are a bit different this time around.
For Houston (3-0), it’s been an ideal start to the season, even if they haven’t been properly tested. Kelvin Sampson brought a few significant pieces from that run to the title game and added a stellar class of freshmen. The result has been three double-digit wins over mid-majors, with the most recent being a 33-point win against Oakland just a few days ago.
Things are a bit different at Auburn (3-0) after the retirement of Bruce Pearl just over a month ago. The team certainly misses Johni Broome and other pieces from last year, but the Tigers are looking ahead not behind. Game one for Steven Pearl was a close call in overtime against Bethune Cookman, but Auburn has looked more the part of a Top 25 team in the games since and are eager for this opportunity to prove themselves.
Houston vs. Auburn: When and Where
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 3:00 pm ET
Location: Legacy Arena at BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama
Houston vs. Auburn: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: ESPN
Streaming: FuboTV
Houston vs. Auburn: Betting Odds
Spread: N/A
Moneyline: N/A
Total: N/A
Houston vs. Auburn: Series History
All time series: Houston leads 7-2
Last meeting: Auburn 74, Houston 69 (November 9, 2024)
Projected Starting Lineups
Houston Cougars
Emanuel Sharp (17.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg)
Kingston Flemings (15.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.7 apg)
Joseph Tugler (10.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.0 bpg)
Milos Uzan (8.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.7 apg)
Chris Cenac Jr. (8.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg)
Auburn Tigers
Keyshawn Hall (24.3 ppg, 11.0 rpg)
Sebastian Williams-Adams (12.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg)
Elyjah Freeman (11.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg)
Tahaad Pettiford (11.0 ppg, 3.7 apg)
Filip Jovic (6.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg)
Each team has had three easy games to start the season meaning this matchup is a major challenge for both sides and a great early proving point. The Cougars the top-ranked team in the nation and enter this game as favorites thanks to strong defensive play and great work from those freshman like Cenac and Flemings. On the other hand, Auburn could really use another standout performance against Houston to help get the foul taste of opening night gone for good.
Which team do you think is going to take advantage of their opportunities in Birmingham? Can the Tigers solve this elite defense and limit second chances for a strong Houston front?