Houston Cougars Defeat Cincinnati Bearcats 67-60
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Fifth Third Arena
Houston Cougars 67, Cincinnati Bearcats 60, 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 Cincinnati Bearcats?
Houston Cougars beat Cincinnati Bearcats 67-60 at Fifth Third Arena on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Houston Cougars vs Cincinnati Bearcats?
Houston Cougars were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Houston Cougars emerged victorious against the Cincinnati Bearcats with a final score of 67-60 at Fifth Third Arena. This victory extends Houston's impressive away record to 14-1, while Cincinnati's home record now stands at 8-7. The Cougars have been in formidable form, winning their last six games and showcasing a scoring average of 80.5 points over their last ten outings. In contrast, the Bearcats have had a mixed performance recently, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games and an average of 74.3 points scored.
The game began with both teams exchanging baskets, but Houston quickly established control. Cincinnati managed to keep the score close, but the Cougars' consistent scoring and defensive pressure proved to be decisive. Houston's scoring was highlighted by Milos Uzan, who made a crucial 27-foot three-pointer that extended their lead to 63-60 in the second half. This was a pivotal moment that shifted the momentum in favor of the Cougars.
Cincinnati's recent form has seen them struggle at times, particularly in away games, where they have not yet secured a victory in their last three attempts. Their scoring average of 76.2 points in the last five games indicates they have the capability to put points on the board, but their defensive lapses have often cost them. The Bearcats allowed an average of 68.8 points during this stretch, which was evident in their inability to contain Houston's offensive threats.
The previous meeting between these two teams earlier in the 2025 season ended in a 73-64 defeat for Cincinnati, making this matchup particularly significant as the Bearcats sought to avenge that loss. However, the Cougars have shown they can handle the pressure, as reflected in their 9-1 record over their last ten games.
In terms of injuries, both teams entered the game relatively healthy, which allowed them to field their strongest lineups. This played a crucial role in the intensity of the match, as both teams were able to execute their game plans effectively.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Houston favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 135.5. The odds reflected the Cougars' strong form and their ability to perform well on the road. The spread indicated that the market expected a competitive game, which was indeed the case as Cincinnati fought hard to stay in contention.
As the game progressed, the conditions were conducive to an exciting basketball atmosphere, with both teams showcasing their skills in front of a passionate crowd. Fans were treated to a display of athleticism and strategic play, making it a compelling fixture in the NCAAB calendar.
In the closing moments, Houston's ability to convert free throws, particularly from Day Day Thomas and Emanuel Sharp, sealed their victory. Thomas made three free throws in succession, bringing the score to 60-58, while Sharp's two successful attempts at the line extended the lead to 67-60, effectively putting the game out of reach for Cincinnati.
Overall, the matchup highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, with Houston's offensive prowess and defensive discipline proving too much for Cincinnati on this occasion. The Bearcats will look to regroup and improve as they head into their next fixtures, while the Cougars will aim to build on their winning streak as they continue their pursuit of a strong season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -4.5 | 135.5 o -108 / u -112 | Houston Cougars -218 · Cincinnati Bearcats +180 |
Leaders
- PointsDay Day Thomas15Cincinnati Bearcats
- AssistsDay Day Thomas4Cincinnati Bearcats
- ReboundsBaba Miller8Cincinnati Bearcats
- PointsKingston Flemings19Houston Cougars
- AssistsKingston Flemings6Houston Cougars
- ReboundsChris Cenac Jr.8Houston Cougars
Recent form
Cincinnati Bearcats
Last 10: 5-5Streak W174.3 scored · 66.2 allowed per game5-2 at home
- W89-62vs Lipscomb BisonsDec 30
- L65-68at Clemson TigersDec 21
- W88-51vs Alabama State HornetsDec 18
- L65-84at Georgia BulldogsDec 13
- L74-79at Xavier MusketeersDec 6
- W76-58vs Tarleton State TexansDec 2
- L56-64vs Eastern Michigan EaglesNov 27
- W94-67vs NJIT HighlandersNov 25
- L64-74vs Louisville CardinalsNov 21
- W72-55vs Mount St. Mary's MountaineersNov 16
Houston Cougars
Last 10: 9-1Streak W680.5 scored · 63 allowed per game2-0 away
- 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
- L73-76vs Tennessee VolunteersNov 25
- W78-74vs Syracuse OrangeNov 24
- W91-45vs Rider BroncsNov 21
- W73-72at Auburn TigersNov 16
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 | Houston Cougars | Cincinnati Bearcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-63 | 21-49 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 8-25 | 6-20 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 30 |
| Free throws | 7-9 | 12-16 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 23 |
| Assists | 11 | 12 |
| Steals | 9 | 2 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 28 |
| Fouls | 16 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 26 | 46 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half24-29Day Day Thomas makes driving layup
- 1st Half24-30Day Day Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half24-31Day Day Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half26-31Kingston Flemings makes driving layup
- 1st Half27-31Ramon Walker Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half28-31Ramon Walker Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half28-33Day Day Thomas makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half28-36Moustapha Thiam makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jizzle James assists)
- 2nd Half28-38Moustapha Thiam makes layup (Baba Miller assists)
- 2nd Half30-38Joseph Tugler makes 4-foot dunk (Kingston Flemings assists)
- 2nd Half30-40Moustapha Thiam makes 6-foot hook shot (Day Day Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half33-40Milos Uzan makes 24-foot three point jumper (Emanuel Sharp assists)
- 2nd Half36-40Milos Uzan makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kingston Flemings assists)
- 2nd Half37-40Kingston Flemings makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-40Joseph Tugler makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half39-42Halvine Dzellat makes layup (Baba Miller assists)
- 2nd Half42-42Milos Uzan makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half42-44Baba Miller makes driving layup
- 2nd Half42-45Baba Miller makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half44-45Kalifa Sakho makes layup (Emanuel Sharp assists)
- 2nd Half46-45Milos Uzan makes 15-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half46-47Moustapha Thiam makes layup (Sencire Harris assists)
- 2nd Half46-49Moustapha Thiam makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half49-49Kingston Flemings makes 26-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half49-51Baba Miller makes 3-foot dunk (Day Day Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half51-51Joseph Tugler makes layup (Kingston Flemings assists)
- 2nd Half51-53Baba Miller makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot (Day Day Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half53-53Chris Cenac Jr. makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half53-55Jizzle James makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-55Milos Uzan makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half58-55Kingston Flemings makes 24-foot three point jumper (Joseph Tugler assists)
- 2nd Half60-55Kingston Flemings makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-56Day Day Thomas makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half60-57Day Day Thomas makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half60-58Day Day Thomas makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half60-60Moustapha Thiam makes 2-foot dunk (Baba Miller assists)
- 2nd Half63-60Milos Uzan makes 27-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half65-60Joseph Tugler makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half66-60Emanuel Sharp makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-60Emanuel Sharp makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Cincinnati Bearcats, below favours Houston Cougars.
Venue
- Fifth Third ArenaCincinnati, OH
- Attendance11062
- OfficialsGregory Nixon, Chance Moore, Tommy Johnson
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