Houston Christian Huskies Defeat East Texas A&M Lions 81-70
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 4:30 PM ET · Sharp Gymnasium
Houston Christian Huskies 81, East Texas A&M Lions 70, 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 East Texas A&M Lions vs Houston Christian Huskies?
Houston Christian Huskies beat East Texas A&M Lions 81-70 at Sharp Gymnasium on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in East Texas A&M Lions vs Houston Christian Huskies?
Houston Christian Huskies were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.
The Houston Christian Huskies secured a decisive victory over the East Texas A&M Lions with a final score of 81-70 at Sharp Gymnasium. This win marks a crucial moment for the Huskies, who have struggled recently, entering the game with a home record of 6-12 and a dismal streak of eight consecutive losses. The victory not only breaks their losing streak but also adds a much-needed boost to their confidence as they look to turn their season around.
In their last ten games, the Huskies had managed only one win, with an average of 66.8 points scored and 77.6 points allowed per game. Their recent form has been particularly concerning, as they averaged just 61.0 points in their last five games while conceding 78.4. The Huskies' home record had been poor, with a 0-3 mark in their last three games at Sharp Gymnasium. In contrast, the Lions entered the game with a record of 7-12, having lost their last game and winning three of their last ten. The Lions averaged 65.6 points scored and allowed 79.4 points during this stretch, indicating a similarly challenging path.
Historically, the Huskies and Lions have faced each other twice in recent seasons, with the series tied at 1-1. The most recent meeting prior to this game occurred on March 4, 2025, where the Huskies fell short, losing 59-63. Earlier in the same season, the Huskies had managed to defeat the Lions 83-79 at home, giving them a slight edge in their rivalry.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams have had their share of difficulties this season. The absence of key players can significantly impact team performance, especially in close matchups like this one.
The betting market reflected the Huskies as slight favorites, with DraftKings listing them at -2.5 on the spread, indicating a competitive matchup. The total points set at 139.5 suggests expectations for a moderately high-scoring game, which ultimately played out as the teams combined for 151 points.
The game conditions were typical for a college basketball matchup, with both teams looking to establish a rhythm early. The Huskies' offense was highlighted by several key plays in the second half, including a driving layup by Damian Garcia and a pair of free throws from Demarco Bethea, which helped extend their lead. Gianni Hunt made significant contributions, including a 24-foot three-point jumper and a step-back jumper, showcasing his shooting prowess.
As the game progressed, the Lions attempted to close the gap, with notable scoring plays such as a driving layup by Damian Garcia and a dunk by Demari Williams that capped off the Huskies' scoring. Despite their efforts, the Lions could not overcome the deficit, ultimately falling short.
Overall, this matchup was significant not only for the standings but also for the morale of the Houston Christian Huskies, who will aim to build on this victory in their upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HCU -2.5 | 139.5 o -110 / u -110 | East Texas A&M Lions +120 · Houston Christian Huskies -142 |
Leaders
- PointsTrent Johnson19Houston Christian Huskies
- AssistsTrent Johnson6Houston Christian Huskies
- ReboundsDemarco Bethea8Houston Christian Huskies
- PointsDamian Garcia19East Texas A&M Lions
- AssistsGianni Hunt6East Texas A&M Lions
- ReboundsNoah Pagotto7East Texas A&M Lions
Recent form
Houston Christian Huskies
Last 10: 1-9Streak L866.8 scored · 77.6 allowed per game0-3 at home
- L56-64at Lamar CardinalsJan 13
- L67-85at Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksJan 10
- L65-81vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersJan 6
- L56-73at Incarnate Word CardinalsJan 3
- L61-89at Iowa State CyclonesDec 30
- L64-79at Nicholls ColonelsDec 18
- L68-78vs McNeese CowboysDec 16
- L71-74vs SE Louisiana LionsDec 13
- W85-76at LSU New Orleans PrivateersDec 6
- L75-77at North Texas Mean GreenDec 3
East Texas A&M Lions
Last 10: 3-7Streak L165.6 scored · 79.4 allowed per game1-4 away
- L50-61vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersJan 13
- W77-69vs UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosJan 10
- L73-83at LSU New Orleans PrivateersJan 6
- L58-80at Nicholls ColonelsJan 3
- L62-69vs Lamar CardinalsDec 31
- L48-75vs Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksDec 30
- L77-118at Texas A&M AggiesDec 21
- W70-69at SE Louisiana LionsDec 16
- L66-102at McNeese CowboysDec 13
- W75-68vs Central Arkansas BearsDec 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen F. Austin | 28-6 | - | 20-2 |
| McNeese | 28-6 | 1 | 19-3 |
| UT Rio Grande Valley | 19-14 | 6 | 14-8 |
| Texas A&M-Corpus Christi | 18-15 | 7 | 13-9 |
| LSU New Orleans | 15-18 | 8 | 12-10 |
| Nicholls | 14-19 | 8 | 12-10 |
| Houston Christian | 12-20 | 12 | 8-14 |
| Northwestern State | 10-22 | 12 | 8-14 |
| Incarnate Word | 12-19 | 13 | 7-15 |
| Lamar | 12-19 | 13 | 7-15 |
| East Texas A&M | 11-21 | 14 | 6-16 |
| SE Louisiana | 9-22 | 14 | 6-16 |
Box score
| Stat | East Texas A&M Lions | Houston Christian Huskies |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-59 | 25-52 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 10-27 | 11-22 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 50 |
| Free throws | 8-16 | 20-30 |
| Free throw % | 50 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 28 |
| Assists | 13 | 18 |
| Steals | 8 | 10 |
| Blocks | 0 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 26 |
| Fouls | 23 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 71 | 25 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half39-37D'Aundre Samuels makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kylin Green assists)
- 2nd Half39-40Mambourou Mara makes 25-foot three point jumper (D'Aundre Samuels assists)
- 2nd Half42-40Damian Garcia makes 25-foot three point jumper (Gianni Hunt assists)
- 2nd Half42-42Demarco Bethea makes 2-foot dunk (Demari Williams assists)
- 2nd Half44-42Damian Garcia makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-43Demarco Bethea makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-45Mambourou Mara makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half46-45Gianni Hunt makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half49-45Ronnie Harrison makes 25-foot three point jumper (Gianni Hunt assists)
- 2nd Half49-48D'Aundre Samuels makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half49-50Demari Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half51-50Gianni Hunt makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-50Ronnie Harrison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-50Ronnie Harrison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-51Demari Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-52Demari Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-52Damian Garcia makes layup
- 2nd Half55-55Ryan Bartley makes 24-foot three point jumper (D'Aundre Samuels assists)
- 2nd Half57-55Michael Folarin makes layup
- 2nd Half57-58Trent Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (D'Aundre Samuels assists)
- 2nd Half59-58Noah Pagotto makes 2-foot hook shot (Tay Mosher assists)
- 2nd Half59-61Trent Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Demarco Bethea assists)
- 2nd Half59-63Trent Johnson makes 8-foot step back jumpshot (Mambourou Mara assists)
- 2nd Half59-64Mambourou Mara makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-65Mambourou Mara makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65Ronnie Harrison makes layup (Gianni Hunt assists)
- 2nd Half61-67Demarco Bethea makes layup (Trent Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half62-67Ronnie Harrison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-70D'Aundre Samuels makes 27-foot three point jumper (Demarco Bethea assists)
- 2nd Half62-72Kylin Green makes layup
- 2nd Half62-73Demari Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-75Demarco Bethea makes 2-foot dunk (Trent Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half64-75Damian Garcia makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-76Demarco Bethea makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-77Demarco Bethea makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-77Gianni Hunt makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half67-78D'Aundre Samuels makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-79D'Aundre Samuels makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-79Gianni Hunt makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half70-81Demari Williams makes 2-foot dunk (Trent Johnson assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Houston Christian Huskies, below favours East Texas A&M Lions.
Venue
- Sharp GymnasiumHouston, TX
- Attendance788
- OfficialsGregory Nixon, Nick Atwood, Jarrett Howell
Elsewhere
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- 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
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- Huskies Edge Lions in Close ContestFeb 23, 2026