Houston Cougars

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.

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 2025 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 2025 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
Week 19	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 20	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 21	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 22	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 23	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 24	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
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Week 27	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 28	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 29	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 30	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 31	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 32	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 33	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 34	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 35	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 36	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 37	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 38	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 39	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 40	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 41	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 42	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 43	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 44	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 45	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 46	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 47	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 48	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 49	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 50	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 51	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 52	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 53	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 54	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 55	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 56	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 57	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 58	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 59	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 60	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE

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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References:

https://uhcougars.com/sports/mens-basketball