In a highly anticipated matchup between two of the nation’s top-ranked teams, the No. 4 Houston Cougars narrowly escaped United Supermarkets Arena with a hard-fought 69-61 win over the No. 10 Texas Tech Red Raiders on Monday night.
Despite being severely depleted due to injuries, with key players Chance McMillian and Darrion Williams sidelined, the Red Raiders (21-7, 12-5) demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, keeping the game intensely competitive throughout.
The Cougars, led by the outstanding performances of Milos Uzan and J’Wan Roberts, managed to maintain a slim advantage, but the Red Raiders continually threatened to overturn the deficit. With just 1:06 remaining on the clock, Texas Tech narrowed the gap to a mere three points, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
However, Uzan, who finished with a game-high 22 points, stepped up to deliver the decisive blow, sinking a clutch three-pointer on the buzzer to seal the victory for Houston. Roberts complemented Uzan’s effort with a solid 16-point performance, including 10 crucial points from the free-throw line.
The win marked a significant triumph for the Cougars, who extended their winning streak and reinforced their position among the nation’s elite programs. For the Red Raiders, despite the loss, their valiant effort served as a testament to the team’s unwavering spirit and unrelenting commitment to excellence.
As the college basketball season continues to unfold, both Houston and Texas Tech will look to build upon this intense matchup, leveraging the experience and momentum gained to propel themselves toward a successful conclusion to the campaign.