Sat Jan 24 21:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Texas Tech Upsets Houston, Ending Winning Streaks in Thrilling Big 12 Showdown
The Story:
In a high-stakes Big 12 matchup, the No. 12 Texas Tech Red Raiders defeated the No. 6 Houston Cougars 90-86 on Saturday, January 24, 2026, snapping Houston’s 11-game winning streak and their impressive 16-game road winning streak in conference play. JT Toppin delivered a dominant performance with 31 points and 12 rebounds, securing his 44th career double-double. Donovan Atwell’s clutch back-to-back three-pointers late in the game propelled Texas Tech to victory.
The Red Raiders showcased a potent offense, particularly in the first half, scoring 55 points against a Houston defense that typically allows only 60.1 points per game, ranked second nationally. Despite a strong effort from Houston freshman Kingston Flemings, who scored a season-high 42 points, Texas Tech’s balanced attack and timely shooting proved decisive.
Key Points:
- Texas Tech defeated No. 6 Houston 90-86, ending Houston’s 11-game winning streak.
- JT Toppin recorded 31 points and 12 rebounds for Texas Tech, his 44th career double-double.
- Donovan Atwell hit two crucial three-pointers late in the game to give Texas Tech the lead.
- Kingston Flemings scored a season-high 42 points for Houston.
- Texas Tech is now 11-0 at home this season.
- Texas Tech previously lost to Houston 69-65 on January 6, 2026.
Critical Analysis (Optional):
The win is especially significant given Texas Tech’s earlier loss to Houston on January 6, 2026. This rematch served as an opportunity for Tech to avenge that defeat and prove their mettle against one of the nation’s top teams. The timing of the game within the Big 12 schedule also highlights the importance of securing home-court advantage and momentum as the conference season progresses. The provided historical context explicitly states that the game occurred on Sat Jan 24 21:30:00 UTC 2026, reinforcing the timeline of events.
Key Takeaways:
- Texas Tech established itself as a formidable contender within the Big 12 conference.
- Houston’s loss exposes vulnerabilities despite their high ranking and previous winning streak.
- JT Toppin’s consistent performance is crucial to Texas Tech’s success.
- Clutch shooting, exemplified by Donovan Atwell, can swing tightly contested games.
- Home-court advantage played a significant role in Texas Tech’s victory.
Impact Analysis (Optional):
This victory will likely boost Texas Tech’s national ranking and improve their NCAA tournament seeding prospects. The loss could impact Houston’s momentum and potentially affect their conference title aspirations. The Big 12 standings have become even more competitive, suggesting that more upsets can be expected as the season progresses.
First Piper 