Lubbock, Texas- Houston and Texas Tech were Southwest Conference foes from the mid 1950’s until the conference dissolved in 1996. Texas Tech darted for the Big 12 while Houston left for Conference USA. They didn’t play each other as much and the rivalry fell off.
However, with this new wave of conference realignment a few years ago bringing Houston to the Big 12, the rivalry has blossomed again. This rings especially true on the court. With both teams being highly-competitive throughout the 2020’s every game has continued to get more intense and meaningful. Yesterday was no different.
The No. 6 ranked Cougars (17-2, 5-1 Big 12), came in on an 11-game winning streak playing some fantastic basketball. They had won 16 straight true road games. The No. 12 Red Raiders (16-4, 6-1 Big 12), put an end to that winning 90-86.
Tech put up 55 in the first half on a Houston defense that ranked second in the nation giving up an average of just 60.1 points. The Red Raiders made 10 triples in the first half to get off to a quick start. However, they couldn’t keep it up in the second half making just two from beyond the arc.
There were eight lead changes and eight ties in a game that was nip and tuck from wire to wire. Texas Tech has won nine of 10 with the lone loss being a road decision 69-65 against the Cougars. They were the only team in the Big 12 a year ago to dethrone Houston on their run as conference champs and the national runner-up.
Veteran Tech big man JT Toppin had 31 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Red Raiders in his 44th career double-double. He is having another outstanding year averaging 22 and 10 per game. Senior sharpshooter Donovan Atwell knocked down five threes and freshman Jaylen Petty added 18 in the team win.
For the Cougars, freshman Kingston Flemmings would have been called a diaper dandy by Dick Vitale for his 42 points and six assists. Crafty senior guard Emmanuel Sharp chipped in 20 in a valiant effort for Houston.
Both teams understand they are at the top of the Big 12 food chain and respect one another. Houston Coach Kelvin Sampson was asked about the Red Raiders and said,”Texas Tech could have easily gone to the Final Four last year.” He then went on to talk about how he feels that Tech and his Cougars are two of the top programs not just in the conference, but nationally.
Up-next
Texas Tech will look to continue their winning ways Saturday at UCF.
Houston will try to get back in the win column on Wednesday night at TCU.
