Texas Tech Defeats Houston 90 to 86, Snaps Cougars 11 Game Winning Streak in Big 12 Showdown

LUBBOCK, Texas — Texas Tech delivered a defining Big 12 result Saturday night as JT Toppin powered the Red Raiders to a 90 to 86 victory over No. 6 Houston, ending the Cougars 11 game winning streak and handing them their first true road loss in conference play in nearly two seasons.

JT Toppin finished with 31 points and 12 rebounds to record the 44th double double of his career, anchoring Texas Tech on both ends in a game that featured eight lead changes and eight ties. Donovan Atwell provided the late separation, drilling back to back three pointers inside the final six minutes as the Red Raiders took control for good.

Houston entered the matchup leading the nation in scoring defense at 60.1 points allowed per game, but Texas Tech broke that trend early. The Red Raiders scored 55 first half points and connected on 10 three pointers before halftime, forcing Houston to chase the game from behind for extended stretches.

True freshman Kingston Flemings delivered a breakout performance for Houston, scoring a season high 42 points while adding six assists. The Cougars led for 18 minutes and 41 seconds and appeared poised to extend their dominance on the road, having won 16 consecutive true road conference games dating back two seasons.

Texas Tech’s execution late proved decisive. Atwell’s go ahead three pointer with 5 minutes 55 seconds remaining swung momentum, and his second triple 34 seconds later stretched the lead during a critical stretch. Texas Tech converted at the free throw line down the stretch and limited Houston’s second chance opportunities to secure the win.

Atwell finished with 18 points and five made three pointers, matching Jaylen Petty’s 18 points. Christian Anderson added 12 points and nine assists, helping stabilize the offense when Houston applied pressure. Emmanuel Sharp scored 20 points for the Cougars.

The win extended Texas Tech’s home record to 11 and 0 this season and marked its fifth consecutive victory overall. The Red Raiders have now won nine of their last 10 games, with the lone loss in that stretch coming at Houston earlier this month. Texas Tech was also the only Big 12 program to defeat Houston last season, when the Cougars won the conference title and advanced to the national championship game.

Toppin’s 44 career double doubles rank second among active Division I players, trailing only Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg. Since transferring from New Mexico, Toppin has recorded 32 double doubles in 52 games with Texas Tech, underscoring his impact on the Red Raiders’ rise in the Big 12 standings.

From a league wide perspective, the result reshapes the Big 12 race, tightening the gap near the top and reinforcing Texas Tech as a legitimate conference contender. For Houston, the loss highlights the challenge of sustaining elite defensive efficiency against high volume perimeter shooting, particularly on the road.

Houston will look to respond Wednesday at TCU as it continues conference play. Texas Tech will have several days to recover before traveling to UCF next Saturday, with momentum firmly on its side as the Big 12 schedule intensifies.