Sat Jan 03 19:20:00 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Cincinnati’s men’s basketball team kicks off its Big 12 schedule on January 3rd at home against the Houston Cougars. Coach Wes Miller is looking for his first win against Houston, a team he’s 0-9 against. Houston, currently 12-1 and ranked #12 in KenPom, boasts a dominant defense. Despite losing Jawan Roberts, the Cougars continue to excel with new talent like Milos Uzan, Emanuel Sharp, Joseph Tugler, and Chris Cenac. The information comes from 247Sports, with a call to subscribe for full access.

News Article:

Cincinnati Faces Tough Big 12 Opener Against Ranked Houston Cougars

CINCINNATI, OH – The Cincinnati Bearcats will begin their Big 12 Conference journey on January 3rd with a challenging matchup against the #12-ranked Houston Cougars at Fifth Third Arena.

Head coach Wes Miller faces a daunting task as he seeks his first victory against the Cougars, a team he’s struggled against in the past (0-9 record). Houston, led by veteran coach Kelvin Sampson, arrives in Cincinnati with a stellar 12-1 record, their only loss coming against Tennessee. The Cougars boast impressive wins over Arkansas, Syracuse, and Auburn.

Known for their stifling defense, Houston is ranked #2 nationally in defensive efficiency, allowing an average of just 60 points per game. Even after losing Jawan Roberts, the Cougars have seamlessly integrated new talent, including guards Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp, forward Joseph Tugler, and highly-rated freshman Chris Cenac.

The game marks a significant test for the Bearcats as they navigate their first season in the Big 12, facing a former AAC rival that has only grown stronger. Tip-off is scheduled for [Insert Time, if available in context].

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