Houston Dominates Arizona State in Convincing Win
Sunday, January 18, 2026, 6:30 PM ET · Fertitta Center
Houston Cougars 103, Arizona State Sun Devils 73, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Arizona State Sun Devils vs Houston Cougars?
Houston Cougars beat Arizona State Sun Devils 103-73 at Fertitta Center on January 18, 2026.
Who was favored in Arizona State Sun Devils vs Houston Cougars?
Houston Cougars were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -3200 (about 97% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the Fertitta Center, the Houston Cougars triumphed over the Arizona State Sun Devils with a final score of 103-73. This victory not only showcased Houston's dominance but also extended their impressive home record to 18-1 for the season. The Cougars have been in remarkable form, winning their last ten games, averaging 78.0 points while allowing just 59.1 points per game during this stretch.
Houston's recent performance has been nothing short of stellar. Over their last ten contests, they have maintained a perfect 10-0 record, with their last five games reflecting an average score of 71.8 points for and 57.6 points against. Their home record stands at 7-0, demonstrating their strength on their own court. In contrast, Arizona State has struggled recently, with a record of 4-6 in their last ten games and a current losing streak of one game. They have averaged 80.2 points scored but have been vulnerable defensively, allowing an average of 82.5 points per game.
The Cougars' previous meeting with the Sun Devils occurred on February 19, 2025, where Houston also emerged victorious, winning 80-65. This history of success against Arizona State likely contributed to their confidence heading into this game. The Cougars were heavily favored, with DraftKings listing them at -18.5 on the spread, reflecting their strong home advantage and recent form. The total points line was set at 142.5, with odds of -108.0 for the over and -112.0 for the under, indicating expectations for a high-scoring game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either side, suggesting both teams were at full strength for this encounter. The conditions at the Fertitta Center were conducive to a high-paced game, with a supportive home crowd energizing the Cougars.
As the game progressed, Houston's offense was relentless, showcasing a variety of scoring plays that kept Arizona State on the back foot. Key moments included Mercy Miller's floating jump shots and Anthony Johnson's driving layup, which contributed to the Cougars' growing lead. The final quarter saw Houston continue to pull away, with their scoring plays reflecting their offensive efficiency and depth.
Overall, this matchup highlighted Houston's capabilities as a top contender in the NCAAB landscape, while Arizona State will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they are to improve their fortunes moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -18.5 | 142.5 o -108 / u -112 | Arizona State Sun Devils +1400 · Houston Cougars -3200 |
Leaders
- PointsKingston Flemings20Houston Cougars
- AssistsKingston Flemings8Houston Cougars
- ReboundsChris Cenac Jr.8Houston Cougars
- PointsAndrija Grbovic14Arizona State Sun Devils
- AssistsMaurice Odum6Arizona State Sun Devils
- ReboundsAnthony Johnson5Arizona State Sun Devils
Recent form
Houston Cougars
Last 10: 10-0Streak W1078 scored · 59.1 allowed per game7-0 at home
- W77-48vs West Virginia MountaineersJan 14
- W77-55at Baylor BearsJan 10
- W69-65vs Texas Tech Red RaidersJan 7
- W67-60at Cincinnati BearcatsJan 3
- W69-60vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersDec 30
- W94-85at Arkansas RazorbacksDec 20
- W99-57vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersDec 13
- W80-38vs Jackson State TigersDec 11
- W82-67vs Florida State SeminolesDec 7
- W66-56vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishNov 26
Arizona State Sun Devils
Last 10: 4-6Streak L180.2 scored · 82.5 allowed per game1-3 away
- L82-89at Arizona WildcatsJan 15
- W87-84vs Kansas State WildcatsJan 10
- L76-104at BYU CougarsJan 8
- L89-95vs Colorado BuffaloesJan 3
- L75-78vs Oregon State BeaversDec 21
- L77-90at UCLA BruinsDec 18
- W82-79at Santa Clara BroncosDec 14
- W73-48vs Northern Arizona LumberjacksDec 10
- W86-70vs Oklahoma SoonersDec 7
- L75-88vs USC TrojansNov 26
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Arizona State Sun Devils | Houston Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-54 | 40-71 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 56 |
| Three-pointers | 9-25 | 12-25 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 48 |
| Free throws | 20-24 | 11-12 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 92 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 18 |
| Assists | 16 | 22 |
| Steals | 8 | 12 |
| Blocks | 2 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 31 |
| Fast-break points | 17 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 44 |
| Fouls | 11 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 33 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half42-72Bryce Ford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-72Bryce Ford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-72Anthony Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-74Chris Cenac Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half46-74Allen Mukeba makes layup (Massamba Diop assists)
- 2nd Half48-74Anthony Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-74Noah Meeusen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-74Noah Meeusen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-76Kingston Flemings makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-77Kingston Flemings makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half52-77Santiago Trouet makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Maurice Odum assists)
- 2nd Half52-79Ramon Walker Jr. makes 15-foot jumper (Joseph Tugler assists)
- 2nd Half54-79Massamba Diop makes layup (Noah Meeusen assists)
- 2nd Half55-79Santiago Trouet makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-79Santiago Trouet makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-79Santiago Trouet makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-79Anthony Johnson makes driving layup (Allen Mukeba assists)
- 2nd Half62-79Maurice Odum makes 27-foot three point jumper (Noah Meeusen assists)
- 2nd Half63-79Maurice Odum makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-79Maurice Odum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-79Massamba Diop makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-79Massamba Diop makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-82Milos Uzan makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kingston Flemings assists)
- 2nd Half66-83Kingston Flemings makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-84Kingston Flemings makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-86Joseph Tugler makes 7-foot dunk
- 2nd Half66-88Chris Cenac Jr. makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half68-88Allen Mukeba makes 18-foot turnaround jump shot (Noah Meeusen assists)
- 2nd Half68-90Kingston Flemings makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half68-92Joseph Tugler makes 3-foot dunk (Kingston Flemings assists)
- 2nd Half68-94Milos Uzan makes 13-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half68-97Kingston Flemings makes 24-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half69-97Andrija Grbović makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-99Mercy Miller makes 13-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half71-99Anthony Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-101Mercy Miller makes 11-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half72-101Andrija Grbović makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-101Andrija Grbović makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-102Chase McCarty makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-103Chase McCarty makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Houston Cougars, below favours Arizona State Sun Devils.
Venue
- Fertitta CenterHouston, TX
- Attendance7035
- OfficialsKipp Kissinger, Roger Ayers, Doug Sirmons
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond