Coogs lose to Texas Tech, 82-81, in overtime

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POSTED: February 2, 2025 -- 7:55 a.m. CT

HOUSTON, TX -- Fertitta Center

The Houston Cougars lost in overtime, 82-81, to the Texas Tech Red Raiders Saturday evening. The loss snaps three impressive streaks for Houston: a 13-game winning streak; 18 consecutive Big 12 regular season conference wins; and 33 consecutive wins at home.

Houston is now 17-4 overall and 9-1 in the Big 12. Three of Houston's 4 losses this season are overtime losses.

Texas Tech (17-4, 8-2) was the more aggressive team in the first half. Tech dominated Houston in the rebounding battle. At one point in the first half, Tech had a 10-3 rebounding advantage. Tech out-rebounded Houston 20-12 in the first half.

In addition to winning the battle on the boards, the Red Raiders shot 50 percent (7 for 14) and 52.0 fg% (13 for 25) overall in the first 20 minutes half. Houston trailed 41-37 at halftime.

The Red Raiders hot-shooting overcame the ejection of Tech Head Coach Grant McCasland and forward JT Toppin. Toppin was called for a Flagrant 2 foul against Houston big man JoJo Tugler early in the first half. Toppin accidentally (my opinion) kicked Tugler in the groin area while leaping to pass the ball out of a Houston double-team.

"They put us on our heels and then their coach got kicked out and the [JT] Toppin got kicked out," Kelvin Sampson, Houston Head Coach said after the game. "It put a lighting bolt through their team."

Tech did not shoot the ball very well in the second half; however, the shots they did make were timely baskets.

Tech was 3 for 4 from three-point range and 0 for 4 from two-point range; but, each three-point basket kept Houston at arms' length.

Houston trailed 56-60 but went on an 8-0 run to lead 58-56 with 9:10 remaining in regulation.

Tech's Darrion Williams split two free throws before Houston's starting point guard Milos Uzan scored a second-chance basket. Williams answered with a short jump hook for 2 in the paint.

Houston led 60-59 with 8:17 on the clock. Neither team scored for 2 plus minutes before Houston's Mylik Wilson nailed a jump shot.

The Coogs led 66-62 when Wilson was called for a 3 shot foul on Tech's Christian Anderson. Anderson made all 3 free throws to cut Houston's lead to 66-65 with 2:31 remaining.

Houston went to veteran forward J'Wan Roberts. Roberts delivered with 2 layups and 2 free throws for a 72-69 lead with 49 seconds on the clock.

After a missed 3-point attempt by Tech's Chance McMillian, Milos Uzan grabbed the rebound and was fouled. Uzan went to the line for a 1-and-1. Uzan missed the first free throw which led to Darrion Williams three-point basket to tie the game at 72.

Roberts had a chance to win the game for Houston in regulation; but, he was unable to score. Roberts seemed to have been hit on his attempt but no call was made.

Tech was 13 for 20 at the foul line in the second half compared to Houston's 3 for 4 at the charity stripe.

Houston trailed Tech 78-74 in overtime after Tech guard Elijah Hawkins swished his fourth three-pointer of the game.

Milos Uzan converted a tough three-point play to bring Houston within 1 (78-77) with just over 2 minutes remaining in OT.

After Christian Anderson missed a 3 point attempt, J'Wan Roberts was fouled. Roberts split the 2 attempts to tie the game at 78.

Chance McMillian put Tech ahead, 80-78, with a driving layup. On Houston's next possession, Roberts was fouled again. He made both free throws to tie the game at 80 with 63 seconds to go in overtime.

Tech's Kerwin Walton missed a 3-point attempt. Houston grabbed the rebound and called timeout. After the timeout, Roberts got the ball and attacked the basket. He was fouled. He split the free throws for an 81-80 Houston lead with 25 seconds on the clock.

Chance McMillian attacked Mylik Wilson off the dribble and drew a foul on Wilson. McMillian made both free throws for an 82-81 Tech lead with 15 seconds remaining.

Coach Sampson opted not to call timeout. Roberts got the ball and attacked the basket. This time, Roberts lost his balanced and was for a traveling violation with 1.5 seconds left in the game.

After a 30-second timeout by Tech, Tech tossed a long inbounds into the frontcourt. Roberts stole the pass and launched a 55-foot plus prayer at the rim. The ball clanged off the backboard to secure Houston's defeat.

"Some nights you're gonna be the statue and some nights you're gonna be the pigeon," Coach Sampson summarized.

Next: Houston's next game is scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, vs Oklahoma State. Tip is set for 7 pm CT on ESPN+.

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