The Houston Cougars have been moving in the right direction. Houston have never won a NCAAB Championship, but they’ve finished runner-up twice (1983 and 1984). After making the NCAA tournament once between 1993 and 2017 (2010), Houston have played in the last four tournaments.
The Cougars are leading the AAC this season, but they haven’t played against top competition often. They’re 1-1 against ranked opponents and that’ll pose a problem for March Madness. Marcus Sasser leads the team in scoring and freshman Jarace Walker has stepped into a big role.
Intriguing Facts About the Houston Cougars
- Phi Slama Jama: The 1980s saw the Cougars dominate college basketball with their exhilarating “Phi Slama Jama” style of play, a high-flying, dunk-dominated spectacle.
- Game of the Century: In 1968, the Cougars participated in the “Game of the Century” against UCLA, breaking NCAA attendance records and helping popularize college basketball across the nation.
- Olympic-Level Coaching: Legendary coach Guy Lewis, who led the team for over three decades, was an assistant coach for the USA Men’s Basketball team during the 1968 Olympics.
- NBA Pipeline: The program has produced numerous NBA stars, including Hall of Famers Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon.
- Resurgence Under Kelvin Sampson: In recent years, under Coach Kelvin Sampson, the Cougars have experienced a resurgence, returning to national prominence and NCAA tournament success.
Houston Cougars [year] Odds
Odds to Win
Championship
+550
Odds to Win
Conference
-150
Odds to Win Season
+375
Seasons Win
– Over
– Under
Houston Cougars Latest News
The Historical Tapestry of the Houston Cougars
The University of Houston’s basketball program began in 1946, and in its early years, it steadily built a foundation for future success. The program’s national prominence started in the 1960s under Coach Guy Lewis, who transformed the Cougars into a top-tier team. The 1970s and 1980s saw the Cougars reach new heights with multiple Final Four appearances. This era was marked by thrilling gameplay and significant achievements that bolstered the team’s reputation nationwide.
The Golden Era: Phi Slama Jama
The golden era of Houston basketball, known as the Phi Slama Jama years in the early 1980s, was a period of unmatched dominance and flair. Under Coach Guy Lewis, the team adopted an exciting, above-the-rim style of play. Key players like Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon became household names for their athletic dunks and defensive prowess. This era saw the Cougars reach three consecutive Final Fours, a testament to their dominance during this period.
Legendary Figures in Houston Cougars History
- Elvin Hayes: One of the greatest players in college basketball history, Hayes led the Cougars to two Final Four appearances.
- Hakeem Olajuwon: A key figure in the Phi Slama Jama era, Olajuwon’s impact at Houston catapulted him to NBA greatness.
- Clyde Drexler: Another Phi Slama Jama stalwart, Drexler’s athleticism and skill were pivotal in the Cougars’ success.
A Game to Remember
The 1968 “Game of the Century” against UCLA stands out in Houston basketball lore. In this historic encounter, the Cougars, led by Elvin Hayes, ended UCLA’s 47-game winning streak in front of a record crowd, marking a defining moment in college basketball history.
Houston Cougars [year] Schedule
Regular Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Date: Mon 06/11/2023 | Opponent: UL Monroe Warhawks | Result: W 84-31 |
| Week 1 | Date: Sat 11/11/2023 | Opponent: Texas A&M-CC Islanders | Result: W 82-50 |
| Week 2 | Date: Mon 13/11/2023 | Opponent: Stetson Hatters | Result: W 79-48 |
| Week 2 | Date: Thu 16/11/2023 | Opponent: Towson Tigers | Result: W 65-49 |
| Week 2 | Date: Fri 17/11/2023 | Opponent: Utah Utes | Result: W 76-66 |
| Week 2 | Date: Sun 19/11/2023 | Opponent: Dayton Flyers | Result: W 69-55 |
| Week 3 | Date: Fri 24/11/2023 | Opponent: Montana Grizzlies | Result: W 79-44 |
| Week 4 | Date: Fri 01/12/2023 | Opponent: Xavier Musketeers | Result: W 66-60 |
| Week 5 | Date: Wed 06/12/2023 | Opponent: Rice Owls | Result: W 75-39 |
| Week 5 | Date: Sat 09/12/2023 | Opponent: Jackson State Tigers | Result: W 89-55 |
| Week 6 | Date: Sat 16/12/2023 | Opponent: Texas A&M Aggies | Result: W 70-66 |
| Week 7 | Date: Thu 21/12/2023 | Opponent: Texas State Bobcats | Result: W 72-37 |
| Week 8 | Date: Sat 30/12/2023 | Opponent: Pennsylvania Quakers | Result: W 81-42 |
| Week 9 | Date: Sat 06/01/2024 | Opponent: West Virginia Mountaineers | Result: W 89-55 |
| Week 10 | Date: Tue 09/01/2024 | Opponent: Iowa State Cyclones | Result: L 53-57 |
| Week 10 | Date: Sat 13/01/2024 | Opponent: Texas Christian Horned Frogs | Result: L 67-68 |
| Week 11 | Date: Wed 17/01/2024 | Opponent: Texas Tech Red Raiders | Result: W 77-54 |
| Week 11 | Date: Sat 20/01/2024 | Opponent: Central Florida Knights | Result: W 57-42 |
| Week 12 | Date: Tue 23/01/2024 | Opponent: Brigham Young Cougars | Result: W 75-68 |
| Week 12 | Date: Sat 27/01/2024 | Opponent: Kansas State Wildcats | Result: W 74-52 |
| Week 13 | Date: Mon 29/01/2024 | Opponent: Texas Longhorns | Result: W 76-72 |
| Week 13 | Date: Sat 03/02/2024 | Opponent: Kansas Jayhawks | Result: L 65-78 |
| Week 14 | Date: Tue 06/02/2024 | Opponent: Oklahoma State Cowboys | Result: W 79-63 |
| Week 14 | Date: Sat 10/02/2024 | Opponent: Cincinnati Bearcats | Result: W 67-62 |
| Week 15 | Date: Sat 17/02/2024 | Opponent: Texas Longhorns | Result: W 82-61 |
| Week 16 | Date: Mon 19/02/2024 | Opponent: Iowa State Cyclones | Result: W 73-65 |
| Week 16 | Date: Sat 24/02/2024 | Opponent: Baylor Bears | Result: W 82-76 |
| Week 17 | Date: Tue 27/02/2024 | Opponent: Cincinnati Bearcats | Result: W 67-59 |
| Week 17 | Date: Sat 02/03/2024 | Opponent: Oklahoma Sooners | Result: W 87-85 |
| Week 18 | Date: Wed 06/03/2024 | Opponent: Central Florida Knights | Result: W 67-59 |
| Week 18 | Date: Sat 09/03/2024 | Opponent: Kansas Jayhawks | Result: W 76-46 |
Post Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conf. Tournament | Date: Thu 14/03/2024 | Opponent: Texas Christian Horned Frogs | Result: W 60-45 |
| Conf. Tournament | Date: Fri 15/03/2024 | Opponent: Texas Tech Red Raiders | Result: W 82-59 |
| Conf. Tournament | Date: Sat 16/03/2024 | Opponent: Iowa State Cyclones | Result: L 41-69 |
| NCAA Tournament | Date: Fri 22/03/2024 | Opponent: Longwood Lancers | Result: W 86-46 |
| Date: Sun 24/03/2024 | Opponent: Texas A&M Aggies | Result: W 100-95 | |
| Date: Fri 29/03/2024 | Opponent: Duke Blue Devils | Result: L 51-54 | |
| NCAA Tournament | Date: Fri 29/03/2024 | Opponent: Duke Blue Devils | Result: TBD |
Home of Houston Cougars: Fertitta Center
The Fertitta Center, formerly known as Hofheinz Pavilion, is the home of the Houston Cougars. Renovated and reopened in 2018, this arena combines modern amenities with rich history. The venue, with a capacity of over 7,000, is known for its electrifying atmosphere, making it one of the most formidable home courts in college basketball.
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