Milos Uzan's career-high 22 points leads Houston to road win over Texas Tech

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POSTED: February 25, 2025 -- 8:35 a.m. CT

LUBBOCK, TX -- United Supermarkets Arena

Monday night, the Houston Cougars avenged their one Big 12 Conference loss with a 69-61 road win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Houston junior point guard Milos Uzan scored a career-high 22 points to lead Houston to the win.

With the win, Houston clinched a share of the Big 12 Conference regular-season championship for the second straight season. It is the seventh straight season under Head Coach Kelvin Sampson in which the Cougars won at least one conference title (regular season or tournament).

With Mondays win, Houston won its second straight Big 12 Conference regular-season championship. The Cougars also became the first school to join a major conference and win consecutive regular-season championships in its first two years in the league in more than 100 years. Idaho was the most recent to accomplish that after joining the PCC (now known as the Pac 12) and winning in 1921-22 and 1922-23.

"We work so hard when nobody is around," Coach Kelvin Sampson said after the game. "When you put in the time and effort, you put in your own expectations.

"We prepare to be successful. I'm proud of my team."

Uzan set the tone for Houston in the first half with 12 of his 22 points. Uzan scored 5 points during a 7-0 Houston spurt to put Houston on top 23-19. Tech responded with a 7-2 run to lead 26-25 before Houston guard Emanuel Sharp knocked down back-to-back three-pointers for a 31-26 lead.

Houston led Texas Tech 33-30 at halftime.

Tech struggled to make shots in the second half but stayed in the game because Houston sent Tech to the free throw line. Houston committed 7 fouls in the first 6 plus minutes of the second half.

The Red Raider went 7 minutes without making a field goal; however, Houston led by just 4 points (46-42). The Coogs increased the lead to 56-47 after J'Wan Robert scored a short jumper. Three minutes later, Roberts converted a three-point play for a 59-49 Houston lead with 3:42 remaining in the ball game.

Then, Tech's offense warmed up. Sophomore forward JT Toppin scored a second-chance layup before teammate Kerwin Walton swished two tough three-point baskets. sandwiched around Roberts' 2 made free throws.

Houston's lead was sliced to 62-59 with 1:12 on the clock. After Coach Sampson called a timeout, Milos Uzan made a huge three-point basket with 45 seconds on the clock to boost Houston's lead to 65-59 with 45 seconds to go in the game.

"I just think this team has so much belief in me," Uzan said. "When my shots are there, they want me to shoot it. For me it's all about having the right mindset and just continue to be aggressive."

After a missed three-pointer by Tech guard Elijah Hawkins, Uzan nailed 2 more free throws to cap off his career-high night.

Roberts finished the game with 16 points -- on 3 for 10 field goals and 10 for 12 free throws. He also had 7 rebounds and 3 assists.

Sharp contributed 10 points and 5 rebounds.

Elijah Hawkins and JT Toppin each scored 14 points to lead Tech.

Tech shot a season-low 29.8 fg% (17 for 57) including 20.0 3pt% (6 for 30).

"We prepare to win every game we play. It doesn't always work out that way," Coach Sampson said. "But, we prepare to win. Our kids have such pride in the culture that we've built and it shows."

Next: Houston's next game is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, vs Cincinnati. Tip is set for 3:30 pm CT on CBS.

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