The Fertitta Center was buzzing on Sunday, January 18, 2026, as fans poured in to see if the No. 7 Houston Cougars could keep their dominant streak alive against the Arizona State Sun Devils. It's that time of year where every Big 12 matchup feels like a heavyweight fight, and honestly, Kelvin Sampson has this team playing some of the most disciplined basketball in the country right now.
So, did U of H win today?
Yes. The Houston Cougars secured a definitive 80-65 victory over Arizona State, pushing their season record to a staggering 17-1. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. While the Sun Devils tried to turn it into a track meet early, the Cougars' "Culture of Toughness" eventually sucked the oxygen out of the room.
How the Cougars Broke the Sun Devils
Early on, it looked like it might be a scrap. Arizona State, coming off a heartbreaking loss to top-ranked Arizona earlier in the week, played with a "nothing to lose" desperation. Maurice Odum was a problem. He hit a couple of deep threes that had the Houston bench leaning forward, but the Cougars didn't blink. They never do.
Houston’s defense is basically a claustrophobic's nightmare.
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By the ten-minute mark of the second half, the Sun Devils' shooting percentage began to crater. That’s the Sampson effect. You might stay close for 20 minutes, but eventually, the constant rebounding pressure and the refusal to give up open looks just breaks you. Joseph Tugler was a monster on the glass today, and his presence in the paint made every ASU layup attempt look like a Herculean task.
The Freshmen are Growing Up
One of the most surprising parts of this 2025-26 campaign has been the reliance on youth. Sampson usually leans on grizzled veterans, but Kingston Flemings has changed that narrative. The freshman guard didn't just play; he controlled the tempo. He finished with 15 points and 6 assists, looking more like a senior than a kid who was in high school a year ago.
Sampson noted earlier this week that playing four freshmen is a risk, but it’s one that’s paying dividends. They've paid the "severance" for those early mistakes, and now they're just part of the machine.
KEY Players from the Jan 18 Matchup
If you missed the broadcast, the box score tells a pretty clear story of balance. Houston doesn't rely on one guy to drop 40; they rely on five guys to make your life miserable.
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- Emanuel Sharp: The veteran presence. He hit a few clutch transition buckets when ASU threatened to close the gap to single digits.
- Milos Uzan: His playmaking has been the glue for this team since transferring in. He keeps the offense from stagnating when the "grind-it-out" style gets too slow.
- Joseph Tugler: 10 points, but his real value was the 4 steals and the way he altered shots at the rim.
The Sun Devils' Maurice Odum finished with 23 points, but he had to work for every single one of them. By the final four minutes, he looked exhausted. That’s how Houston wins. They don't just outscore you; they outlast you.
Why Did U of H Win Today (and Why They Keep Winning)?
The Big 12 is a gauntlet. You have teams like Arizona and BYU breathing down your neck every night. But Houston has something most programs lack: an identity that doesn't change based on the opponent.
Whether they are playing a bottom-dweller or a Top 10 rival, the Cougars play the same way. They crash the offensive glass. They dive for loose balls. They treat a Tuesday practice like the Final Four. It’s why they’ve won 35 straight games against unranked opponents. They don't "play down" to the competition.
Looking Ahead
The schedule doesn't get any easier from here. The Cougars have a target on their back, and the rest of the Big 12 is itching for a shot at them. Next up is a road trip to Lubbock to face Texas Tech on January 24. That environment is notoriously hostile, and the Red Raiders are always a tough out at home.
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If you’re following this team, the next few weeks are critical for seeding. They are currently 5-0 in conference play, sitting right at the top of the standings alongside Arizona.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Keep an eye on the injury report: Kordel Jefferson is out for the season with a knee injury, which means the guard rotation is thin. Any more knocks to the backcourt could be trouble.
- Watch the defensive efficiency stats: Houston is currently top 5 nationally. If that number slips, the wins will get much tighter.
- Check the standings: The Jan 31 home game against Cincinnati is going to be a massive "revenge" or "statement" game depending on how the next week goes.
The Cougars are the real deal this year. They aren't just winning; they are dominating the toughest conference in college basketball.
Check the official UH athletics site or major sports networks for the exact tip-off times for the upcoming Texas Tech game, as Big 12 scheduling can shift for TV slots.