The Big 12 boasts a number of standout teams again this season and this matchup shows us two of the best. Texas Tech looks to continue their recent run of success against a Houston team hoping for more national prominence after their appearance in the national title game last season. Which Texas school has the upper edge in the early Big 12 conference race?
The recent work for Texas Tech (11-3) has been quite impressive, as the Red Raiders are still just a few weeks removed from that win over Duke. Texas Tech has some defensive issues and wasted a few opportunities earlier in the year, but they have one of the best one-two punches in the nation and are ready for a dogfight.
To this point in the season, Houston (13-1) has just that loss at Tennessee burdening their resume, though Kelvin Sampson knows his team has to play even better moving forward. The Cougars looked the part before Christmas in a win over Arkansas and held serve to begin Big 12 play, but Houston is going to need even more out of a usually elite defense.
Texas Tech vs. Houston: When and Where
Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 9:00 pm ET
Location: Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas
Texas Tech vs. Houston: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: FS1
Streaming: FuboTV
Texas Tech vs. Houston: Betting Odds
Spread: Texas Tech Red Raiders +6.5, Houston Cougars -6.5
Moneyline: Texas Tech Red Raiders +240 , Houston Cougars -238
Total: 140.5
Texas Tech vs. Houston: Series History
All-time series: Houston leads 32-28
Last meeting: Houston 69, Texas Tech 61 (February 24, 2025)
Projected Starting Lineups
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Christian Anderson (20.5 ppg, 7.5 apg)
JT Toppin (21.2 ppg, 10.8 rpg)
LeJuan Watts (14.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg)
Donovan Atwell (11.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg)
Jaylen Petty (8.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg)
Houston Cougars
Emanuel Sharp (15.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg)
Kingston Flemings (15.6 ppg, 5.0 apg)
Milos Uzan (11.6 ppg, 4.4 apg)
Chris Cenac Jr. (9.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg)
Joseph Tugler (7.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg)
On paper this matchup looks problematic for the Red Raiders on the road. Toppin is a nightmare and Anderson has been very effective this season, but if the Houston defense contains them then it might be a long night. The Cougars have gotten great work from their two new freshmen in Cenac and Flemings while the play of Tugler on defense can’t be understated. Houston takes charge if their defense plays at a high level as containing Toppin is a big key to winning this game.
Has Texas Tech got a chance to pull off another big surprise on Tuesday night? Can the Cougars take care of business and get themselves an impressive win at home? A lot will come down to how Toppin and Houston’s defense each show up.