Huskies Edge Lions in Close Contest
Monday, February 23, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · The Field House
Houston Christian Huskies 69, East Texas A&M Lions 68, 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 Houston Christian Huskies vs East Texas A&M Lions?
Houston Christian Huskies beat East Texas A&M Lions 69-68 at The Field House on February 23, 2026.
Who was favored in Houston Christian Huskies vs East Texas A&M Lions?
East Texas A&M Lions were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Houston Christian Huskies narrowly defeated the East Texas A&M Lions with a final score of 69-68. The game, played at The Field House, showcased both teams struggling to find consistency throughout the season, with the Huskies improving their record to 12-18 while the Lions fell to 11-20.
Both teams entered the game with similar records, with East Texas A&M holding an 11-19 record and Houston Christian at 11-18. The Lions had a recent form of 3-6-1 over their last ten games, with an average of 60.7 points scored and 67.0 points allowed. Their last game resulted in a loss against the Incarnate Word Cardinals, where they fell 73-82. The Lions had managed to secure a win against the SE Louisiana Lions earlier in the month but struggled against teams like the McNeese Cowboys, losing by a significant margin of 54-97.
On the other hand, the Huskies had a record of 4-6 over their last ten games leading up to this fixture, averaging 64.4 points scored and 69.7 points allowed. Their most recent outing was a loss to the Northwestern State Demons, where they were defeated 53-71. Houston Christian had some bright spots, including victories over the Nicholls Colonels and LSU New Orleans Privateers, but they also faced challenges, particularly on the road, where they had not secured a win in their last five away games.
Historically, the matchup had favored the Huskies slightly, with a head-to-head record of 2-1 against the Lions in their last three meetings. The last encounter prior to this game took place on January 17, 2026, where the Lions lost 70-81 at home. The previous season, however, saw the Lions claim victory at home with a score of 63-59.
In terms of injuries, both teams appeared to be at full strength, which contributed to the competitive nature of the game. This absence of significant injuries allowed both squads to field their best players, making for an exciting contest.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Lions as 2.5-point favorites with a money line of -155. The total points line was set at 138.5, with both the over and under priced at -110. This indicated a close matchup anticipated by the market, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the two teams.
The game conditions were typical for a late February evening, with both teams battling not only each other but also the pressure of the season's end looming over them. Fans were treated to a thrilling second half, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Key moments included Gianni Hunt's crucial free throws in the closing minutes, which helped the Huskies maintain a slim lead.
As the game progressed, the atmosphere intensified, with both teams showcasing their resilience. The scoring plays highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest, with Demari Williams making a driving layup to extend the Huskies' lead to four points. However, the Lions responded with a three-pointer from Hunt, narrowing the gap.
Ultimately, the Huskies managed to hold on for the victory, with the final moments of the game filled with tension as the Lions attempted to mount a comeback. Despite their efforts, they fell just short, unable to convert on their final possessions.
This matchup served as a reminder of the competitive spirit of college basketball, where every game can swing in favor of either team, and the stakes remain high as the season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ETAM -2.5 | 138.5 o -110 / u -110 | Houston Christian Huskies +130 · East Texas A&M Lions -155 |
Leaders
- PointsGianni Hunt25East Texas A&M Lions
- AssistsGianni Hunt3East Texas A&M Lions
- ReboundsRonnie Harrison6East Texas A&M Lions
- PointsDemarco Bethea15Houston Christian Huskies
- AssistsKylin Green5Houston Christian Huskies
- ReboundsDemarco Bethea9Houston Christian Huskies
Recent form
East Texas A&M Lions
Last 10: 3-6-1Streak L160.7 scored · 67 allowed per game2-4 at home
- L73-82vs Incarnate Word CardinalsFeb 21
- W70-53vs SE Louisiana LionsFeb 16
- L54-97vs McNeese CowboysFeb 14
- L70-74at Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksFeb 10
- W52-48vs Northwestern State DemonsFeb 7
- W74-68at Northwestern State DemonsFeb 5
- L85-94vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersFeb 3
- L68-72vs Nicholls ColonelsJan 31
- L61-82at Lamar CardinalsJan 28
- D0-0at Lamar CardinalsJan 27
Houston Christian Huskies
Last 10: 4-6Streak L164.4 scored · 69.7 allowed per game0-5 away
- L53-71at Northwestern State DemonsFeb 21
- W72-68vs Nicholls ColonelsFeb 17
- W61-60vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersFeb 14
- L69-73at McNeese CowboysFeb 10
- L47-55at SE Louisiana LionsFeb 7
- L57-74at UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosFeb 3
- L71-73at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersJan 31
- W81-75vs Incarnate Word CardinalsJan 28
- L51-68vs UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosJan 24
- W82-80vs Northwestern State DemonsJan 20
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 | Houston Christian Huskies | East Texas A&M Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-61 | 23-51 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 5-19 | 9-24 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 38 |
| Free throws | 10-15 | 13-17 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 22 |
| Assists | 14 | 14 |
| Steals | 9 | 10 |
| Blocks | 4 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 21 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 26 |
| Fouls | 14 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 21 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 83 | 12 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half40-26Damian Garcia makes layup
- 2nd Half43-26Ryan Bartley makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kylin Green assists)
- 2nd Half45-26Demarco Bethea makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half45-27Gianni Hunt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-28Gianni Hunt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-28Trent Johnson makes 10-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half47-30Josh Taylor makes layup (Vinny Sigona assists)
- 2nd Half48-30Mambourou Mara makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-30Mambourou Mara makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-30Mambourou Mara makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half51-32Damian Garcia makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-33Damian Garcia makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half51-35Josh Taylor makes 1-foot dunk (Gianni Hunt assists)
- 2nd Half54-35Demari Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper (D'Aundre Samuels assists)
- 2nd Half56-35Demarco Bethea makes layup
- 2nd Half56-37Damian Garcia makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-40Damian Garcia makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half56-43Gianni Hunt makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ronnie Harrison assists)
- 2nd Half57-43Mambourou Mara makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-44Gianni Hunt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-45Gianni Hunt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-48Gianni Hunt makes 25-foot three point jumper (Noah Pagotto assists)
- 2nd Half59-48Demarco Bethea makes layup (Trent Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half61-48Demarco Bethea makes layup (Kylin Green assists)
- 2nd Half61-51Damian Garcia makes 26-foot three point jumper (Evan Phelps assists)
- 2nd Half61-52Ronnie Harrison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-53Ronnie Harrison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-56Vinny Sigona makes 27-foot three point jumper (Gianni Hunt assists)
- 2nd Half61-59Gianni Hunt makes 25-foot three point jumper (Josh Taylor assists)
- 2nd Half63-59Mambourou Mara makes layup (Kylin Green assists)
- 2nd Half63-61Ronnie Harrison makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half65-61D'Aundre Samuels makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Kylin Green assists)
- 2nd Half65-62Gianni Hunt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-63Gianni Hunt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-63Demari Williams makes driving layup (Kylin Green assists)
- 2nd Half67-66Gianni Hunt makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot (Damian Garcia assists)
- 2nd Half68-66D'Aundre Samuels makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-66D'Aundre Samuels makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-67Gianni Hunt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-68Gianni Hunt makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours East Texas A&M Lions, below favours Houston Christian Huskies.
Venue
- The Field HouseCommerce, TX
- Attendance438
- OfficialsJeb Hartness, Vladimir Voyard-Tadal, John Jenkins Jr.
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