Houston Cougars Defeat Arkansas Razorbacks 94-85
Saturday, December 20, 2025, 5:30 PM ET · Prudential Center
Houston Cougars 94, Arkansas Razorbacks 85, 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 Cougars vs Arkansas Razorbacks?
Houston Cougars beat Arkansas Razorbacks 94-85 at Prudential Center on December 20, 2025.
Who was favored in Houston Cougars vs Arkansas Razorbacks?
Houston Cougars were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -245 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In an exciting NCAAB matchup at the Prudential Center, the Houston Cougars emerged victorious against the Arkansas Razorbacks with a final score of 94-85. This game showcased the Cougars' strong performance, extending their winning streak to five games, while the Razorbacks, despite a solid effort, could not keep pace in the closing moments.
The Cougars entered the game with an impressive away record of 11-1 and had been performing well, winning nine of their last ten games. Their recent form included a streak of four consecutive wins, with an average of 78.5 points scored and only 57.8 points allowed in their last ten matchups. In their most recent game prior to facing Arkansas, they defeated the LSU New Orleans Privateers 99-57 on December 13.
On the other hand, the Razorbacks boasted a home record of 9-3 and had been on a strong run themselves, winning eight of their last ten games. They had a current winning streak of four games, averaging 88.0 points scored and allowing 72.8 points during this stretch. Their last game before this matchup was a dominant victory over the Queens University Royals, where they won 108-80 on December 17.
The game began with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities, but it was Houston's ability to capitalize on key moments that ultimately made the difference. The Cougars maintained a slight lead throughout the first half, with a notable performance from D.J. Wagner, who made crucial three-pointers in the second half to help secure the win. Wagner's contributions were pivotal, especially as he hit a 26-foot three-point jumper to extend Houston's lead to 89-78.
Arkansas, playing at home, aimed to leverage their strong crowd support. However, despite their efforts, they struggled to close the gap in the latter stages of the game. The Razorbacks had a solid scoring average at home, but they could not match the Cougars' defensive pressure and shooting efficiency.
In terms of the betting market, DraftKings had Houston favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 146.5. The odds reflected the Cougars' strong away form and recent performances, while Arkansas was seen as a competitive side, albeit with a tougher challenge ahead.
The conditions at the Prudential Center were conducive to a high-scoring affair, and both teams took advantage of the opportunity to showcase their offensive talents. The game featured several scoring plays that highlighted the skill level of both squads, including multiple three-pointers and effective free-throw shooting.
As the game progressed, Houston's defense tightened, and they managed to limit Arkansas's scoring opportunities. The Razorbacks' inability to stop the Cougars in crucial moments, particularly in the second half, ultimately led to their defeat.
In conclusion, the Houston Cougars' victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks not only extended their winning streak but also demonstrated their capacity to perform under pressure. With a final score of 94-85, the Cougars solidified their position as a formidable opponent in the NCAAB landscape, while the Razorbacks will look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming matchups.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -5.5 | 146.5 o -115 / u -105 | Houston Cougars -245 · Arkansas Razorbacks +200 |
Leaders
- PointsDarius Acuff Jr.27Arkansas Razorbacks
- AssistsDarius Acuff Jr.7Arkansas Razorbacks
- ReboundsMalique Ewin9Arkansas Razorbacks
- PointsEmanuel Sharp22Houston Cougars
- AssistsKingston Flemings5Houston Cougars
- ReboundsChris Cenac Jr.7Houston Cougars
Recent form
Arkansas Razorbacks
Last 10: 8-2Streak W488 scored · 72.8 allowed per game8-1 at home
- W108-80vs Queens University RoyalsDec 17
- W93-86vs Texas Tech Red RaidersDec 13
- W82-58vs Fresno State BulldogsDec 6
- W89-80vs Louisville CardinalsDec 4
- L71-80vs Duke Blue DevilsNov 28
- W115-61vs Jackson State TigersNov 22
- W84-83vs Winthrop EaglesNov 19
- W79-75vs Samford BulldogsNov 15
- W93-56vs Central Arkansas BearsNov 12
- L66-69at Michigan State SpartansNov 9
Houston Cougars
Last 10: 9-1Streak W478.5 scored · 57.8 allowed per game1-0 away
- 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
- L73-76vs Tennessee VolunteersNov 25
- W78-74vs Syracuse OrangeNov 24
- W91-45vs Rider BroncsNov 21
- W73-72at Auburn TigersNov 16
- W78-45vs Oakland Golden GrizzliesNov 13
- W65-48vs Towson TigersNov 8
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 |
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Houston Cougars | Arkansas Razorbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-62 | 28-57 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 11-25 | 8-20 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 40 |
| Free throws | 19-25 | 21-35 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 60 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 22 |
| Assists | 13 | 13 |
| Steals | 7 | 3 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 36 |
| Fouls | 24 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 21 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 93 | 3 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half58-50Malique Ewin makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-50Emanuel Sharp makes 24-foot three point jumper (Milos Uzan assists)
- 2nd Half64-50Emanuel Sharp makes 29-foot three point jumper (Milos Uzan assists)
- 2nd Half64-51Trevon Brazile makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-52Trevon Brazile makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-54Darius Acuff Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half65-54Emanuel Sharp makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-54Emanuel Sharp makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-54Kingston Flemings makes layup
- 2nd Half68-57Meleek Thomas makes 25-foot three point jumper (Darius Acuff Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half70-57Kingston Flemings makes layup
- 2nd Half70-59Trevon Brazile makes layup
- 2nd Half71-59Kingston Flemings makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-59Kingston Flemings makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-61Meleek Thomas makes layup
- 2nd Half74-61Chris Cenac Jr. makes 15-foot jumper (Kingston Flemings assists)
- 2nd Half74-62Darius Acuff Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-63Darius Acuff Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-63Chris Cenac Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half78-63Milos Uzan makes layup
- 2nd Half78-65Meleek Thomas makes layup
- 2nd Half80-65Kingston Flemings makes layup
- 2nd Half80-67Darius Acuff Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half83-67Chase McCarty makes 24-foot three point jumper (Isiah Harwell assists)
- 2nd Half83-68Trevon Brazile makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-68Emanuel Sharp makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-70Malique Ewin makes 2-foot dunk (Darius Acuff Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half87-70Milos Uzan makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half87-71Malique Ewin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half87-72Malique Ewin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half87-75Billy Richmond III makes 25-foot three point jumper (Darius Acuff Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half89-75Emanuel Sharp makes layup
- 2nd Half89-78D.J. Wagner makes 26-foot three point jumper (Karter Knox assists)
- 2nd Half92-78Ramon Walker Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Isiah Harwell assists)
- 2nd Half92-80Billy Richmond III makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half92-81Darius Acuff Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half92-82Darius Acuff Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half93-82Kingston Flemings makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half94-82Kingston Flemings makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half94-85D.J. Wagner makes 23-foot three point jumper (Darius Acuff Jr. assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Arkansas Razorbacks, below favours Houston Cougars.
Venue
- Prudential CenterNewark, NJ
- Attendance6246
- OfficialsDarron George, Joe Lindsay, Tommy Johnson
Elsewhere
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- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond