LUBBOCK, Texas — Milos Uzan achieved a career milestone by scoring 22 points, guiding No. 4 Houston to secure at least a share of the Big 12 regular-season championship with a 69-61 triumph over the 10th-ranked Texas Tech on Monday night.
J’Wan Roberts contributed significantly with 16 points and seven rebounds for the Cougars (24-4, 16-1 Big 12), who managed to redeem themselves after their sole conference defeat. Previously, they had fallen 82-81 in an overtime match, where Texas Tech triumphed despite the early exits of top scorer JT Toppin and coach Grant McCasland.
Toppin, along with Elijah Hawkins, added 14 points each for the Red Raiders (21-7, 12-5), who, despite a limited rotation of just six players, aimed to energize their performance with the lively support from the home crowd. Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes was among those in attendance, seated next to the Texas Tech bench.
The Red Raiders faced adversity without two of their leading scorers, Chance McMillian and Darrion Williams, due to lower-body injuries, with McMillian missing his second consecutive game.
Emanuel Sharpe contributed 10 points for the Cougars, a victory that knocked Texas Tech out of the Big 12 contention and left No. 22 Arizona as one of the remaining contenders aiming for the top.
Takeaways
Houston made history as the first team since Idaho in 1922-23 to win a major conference title within its initial two seasons in a league.
For Texas Tech, the absence of McMillian and Williams compounded their challenges, while Toppin, despite calf cramps in the second half, delivered a double-double by securing 10 rebounds.
Key Moment
In a crucial moment with the Red Raiders trailing by three in the final minute, Uzan delivered a decisive 3-pointer as the shot clock neared expiration.
Key Stat
The Red Raiders experienced a challenging night offensively, recording a season-low 30% shooting overall, with only 20% success from beyond the 3-point line.
Up Next
Houston will host Cincinnati this Saturday, whereas Texas Tech is set to travel for a challenging game against Kansas.
