The Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Houston Cougars continue Big 12 Conference men’s basketball action on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. central on ESPN2. Houston (17-3, 9-0 in Big 12) is ranked No. 6 in the AP Top 25, while Texas Tech (16-4, 7-2) is ranked No. 22.
Houston is the only remaining undefeated team left in Big 12 action, and it’s been that way for nearly two weeks. The Cougars have won 13 games in a row and have risen to a No. 2 seed in ESPN’s Bracketology.
Texas Tech is back in the national rankings and has won its last five games. The Red Raiders’ only losses in Big 12 play are to NCAA Tournament bubble team UCF and one of the nation’s top teams, Iowa State, by a combined five points.
Here is a preview of Saturday’s game.
How to Watch Texas Tech vs. Houston
Date: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. CT
TV Channel: ESPN2
Site: Fertitta Center, Houston, Texas
Texas Tech vs. Houston Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Houston -10
Current Line: Houston -10
Over/Under: 127
Texas Tech vs. Houston Predictions
Houston isn’t just winning games. It’s dismantling teams. Only two of their nine Big 12 games have been decided by single digits — a near-upset against UCF, which turned into a one-point Houston victory, and their six-point, double-overtime win over Kansas. Otherwise, Houston has just blown people out.
Guard Emanuel Sharp (12.9 ppg) is a game-time decision, but the Cougars are far healthier than they were a season ago at this time. Houston is incredibly balanced offensively and shoots 3’s at a high percentage, and the improved offense of forward J’Wan Roberts makes them a hard team to beat, home, road, or neutral site. Oh, and that defense is just No. 1 in KenPom.
Houston’s three losses this season are by a combined 13 points to Auburn, Alabama, and San Diego State.
Texas Tech has its own game-time decision in guard Darrion Williams, who averages 14.7 points per game. He didn’t play against TCU earlier this week, and Christian Anderson responded with some great minutes off the bench.
Forward JT Toppin (16.4 ppg, 8.9 rpg) and guard Chance McMillan (15.0 ppg) are a terrific 1-2 punch. Guard Elijah Hawkins (8.9 ppg, 6.1 apg) has evolved into one of the best point guards in the conference. The Red Raiders can match the Cougars from the arc. The KenPom defensive ranking is no slouch at No. 31.
This game may come down to Toppin vs. Roberts and how the big guys score inside — and stay out of foul trouble.
Certainly, this could be a close game. But it’s worth pointing out that Tech went to Houston last year and lost by 23 points. Still, this should be a closer game.
Houston 72, Texas Tech 64
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Houston (86.7% Chance of Winning)
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
