No. 8 Houston capped non-conference play with a 69–60 win over Middle Tennessee, improving to 12–1 on the season. The Cougars now enter a stacked Big 12 schedule featuring six ranked teams—including No. 1 Arizona and No. 3 Iowa State—after climbing to No. 1 earlier this year before slipping from the top five. Houston Cougars 69:60 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 🏀 | NCAA Men’s Basketball | 2025-2026 Season 📅 : December 29, 2025 🏟️ : Fertitta Center 📍 : Houston TX 📸 : scottwcoleman ⚠️ Advertisement due to brand recognition – editorial coverage of a sporting event, not sponsored – for editorial use only #SportsPhotography #Photojournalism #pressphotographer