University of Houston Athletics
Saturday, December 6
Toyota Center – Houston, Texas
7 p.m.
University of Houston
vs
Florida State
PREVIEW: #8/7 Men’s Basketball Meets Florida State on Saturday
12/4/2025 10:20:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Buy Houston Hoops Showdown TicketsPreview – Coach Kelvin Sampson (YouTube)Digital Game ProgramWatch (Peacock)Listen (950 AM KPRC)Listen (Varsity Network app)Listen (Sirius XM Ch. 162 or Ch. 198)Live Stats (StatBroadcast)Houston Game Notes (PDF)
Cougars tip off vs. Seminoles at 7 p.m., inside Toyota Center during Houston Hoops Showdown
HOUSTON – For the first time in more than half a century, the #8/7 University of Houston Men's Basketball program will face Florida State when it tips off at 7 p.m., Saturday, inside Toyota Center in downtown Houston during the Houston Hoops Showdown.
The Cougars, who have won seven of their first eight games to open the 2025-26 season, have not faced the Seminoles on the hardwood since the 1973-74 season.
#8/7 Houston enters this weekend's contest after posting a 2-1 record at the Players Era Championship in Las Vegas on Nov. 24-26. The Cougars closed their tournament stay with a 66-56 win over Notre Dame on Tuesday, behind senior guard Emanuel Sharp's team-high 17 points and four 3-pointers.
This season, Sharp leads the Cougars with 16.4 points and 2.8 3-point field goals per game. The Tampa, Fla., native has buried at least one trey in each of his last 23 games, tying for the 11th longest streak in school history.
Freshman point guard Kingston Flemings stands second on the team with 15.3 points per game and leads the Cougars with 5.0 assists per game and a 2.86 assist-turnover ratio.
Freshman center/forward Chris Cenac Jr. leads the Cougars and stands among the Big 12 Conference Top-10 leaders with 7.8 rebounds per game. Junior forward Joseph Tugler leads the Cougars with 2.5 blocks and 1.6 steals per game and is one of only two student-athletes to rank among the league's Top-12 in both categories.
BUY TICKETS
Fans can purchase Houston Hoops Showdown tickets to watch the Cougars face Florida State inside Toyota Center on Dec. 6 by clicking here.
Single-game home tickets for all games inside Fertitta Center are now on sale, and fans are encouraged to purchase quickly while supplies last. The two-time defending Big 12 Conference Champions, Houston will play host to 16 home games inside Fertitta Center with seven in non-conference play and nine in Big 12 action in 2025-26.
Fans interested in purchasing group tickets may complete this form to be contacted by a member of the Houston Athletics Tickets Sales staff.
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.
COUGARS in TOYOTA CENTER HISTORY
• The Cougars are 2-1 in games played inside Toyota Center since the facility opened on October 6, 2003.
• In its most recent outing in Toyota Center, #4/4 Houston dropped a tough 74-69 decision to #11/11 Auburn during the Mattress Firm Battleground 2k24 on Nov. 9, 2024.
• That marked the second straight season in which the Cougars played in Toyota Center, home of the NBA's Houston Rockets.
• During the 2023-24 season, fourth-ranked Houston enjoyed a 70-66 win over Texas A&M during the nightcap of The Halal Guys Showcase on December 16, 2023.
• In their first game in Toyota Center, the Cougars claimed a 54-52 win over Rice in the Dickies Shootout on December 21, 2013.
BOUNCING BACK
• Under Head Coach Kelvin Sampson's leadership, the Cougars have posted a 32-2 record, including 23 straight wins at one point, in games following a regular-season loss since Feb. 1, 2017.
• The Cougars have won handily in those games, winning by an average of 18.4 points per game (626 points in 34 games).
• In their most recent game following a regular-season loss, the Cougars took a 66-56 win over Notre Dame during the final day of the Players Era Championship inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 26, 2025. That victory came after a 76-73 loss to #17/16 Tennessee during the tournament's second day on Nov. 25, 2025.
• Houston has lost consecutive games only twice since Feb. 1, 2017.
• The most recent two-game losing skid came during the 2023-24 season. The Cougars fell 57-53 at Iowa State (Jan. 9, 2024) and lost at TCU, 68-67 (Jan. 13, 2024).
• Following that 1-2 start, Houston went on to win 14 of its next 15 Big 12 Conference games to capture the regular-season championship in its first year in the league.
ABOUT FLORIDA STATE
• Florida State enters Saturday's game with a 5-3 overall record.
• The Seminoles have lost their last two games after winning five of their first six to open the season.
• Florida State is 0-1 in neutral-site games this season.
• In its most recent action, Florida State dropped a 107-73 decision to Georgia inside the Donald L. Tucker Center in Tallahassee, Fla., on Tuesday night.
• Against Georgia, senior guard Robert McCray V led the Seminoles with 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting and tied with senior forward Alex Steen for team-high honors with five rebounds. Senior forward Chauncey Wiggins totaled 15 points with a team-high three 3-pointers while senior guard Lajae Jones led FSU with three assists.
• This season, McCray leads Florida State with 13.9 points and 7.0 assists per game and stands second on the team with 1.9 steals per contest. Wiggins stands second with 13.6 points per game while Jones averages 12.8 points per contest to rank third. Senior guard Kobe Magee is the fourth Seminole averaging double-digit points with 10.9 points per game, and Steen leads the way with 7.1 rebounds per contest.
• Head Coach Luke Loucks is in his first season at Florida State and as a collegiate head coach.
• Loucks has built a 5-3 record at Florida State and during his career.
• Saturday's game will be the first time that Loucks has faced Houston during his career.
• Saturday's game will be the first time that Loucks has faced Houston Head Coach Kelvin Sampson during their careers.
• 2012 graduate of Florida State.
SERIES HISTORY vs. FLORIDA STATE
• Houston owns a 3-2 lead in the series, which began during the 1961-62 season.
• The Cougars have won the last two meetings against the Seminoles.
• Saturday's game will be the first meeting against Florida State since Jan. 5, 1974.
• In the most recent meeting, the Cougars claimed a 79-74 win over Florida State during the second day of the Bluebonnet Classic inside Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston on Jan. 5, 1974.
• In the first meeting of the series, Houston took an 84-76 win over the Seminoles in Houston on Feb. 5, 1962.
at Neutral Site: Saturday's game will be the first time that Houston has faced Florida State at a neutral site during the series history.
TUNE IN
• Fans can watch Saturday's game on Peacock with James Westling (play-by-play) and King McClure (analyst) calling.
• Fans can hear Saturday's game on 950 AM KPRC, the Varsity Network app and SiriusXM Ch. 162 or Ch. 198 with Jeremy Branham (play-by-play) and Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes (analyst) calling. The pregame show begins at 6:45 p.m., Saturday.
• Fans can follow live stats from Saturday's game on StatBroadcast.
UP NEXT
• Following Saturday's game, the Cougars return to the friendly confines of Fertitta Center for a pair of home games.
• The homestand begins at 7 p.m., Wednesday, December 10, against Jackson State and continues against New Orleans at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. Both of those games will air on ESPN+.
• From there, Houston faces #25/23 Arkansas inside Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., during the Never Forget Tribute Classic on December 20. That game tips off at 4:30 p.m. (CST) and will air on CBS and Paramount+.
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC, the Varsity Network app and Sirius XM Radio.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the 50-50 Club, which provides financial support directly to Houston Men's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.
The Cougars, who have won seven of their first eight games to open the 2025-26 season, have not faced the Seminoles on the hardwood since the 1973-74 season.
#8/7 Houston enters this weekend's contest after posting a 2-1 record at the Players Era Championship in Las Vegas on Nov. 24-26. The Cougars closed their tournament stay with a 66-56 win over Notre Dame on Tuesday, behind senior guard Emanuel Sharp's team-high 17 points and four 3-pointers.
This season, Sharp leads the Cougars with 16.4 points and 2.8 3-point field goals per game. The Tampa, Fla., native has buried at least one trey in each of his last 23 games, tying for the 11th longest streak in school history.
Freshman point guard Kingston Flemings stands second on the team with 15.3 points per game and leads the Cougars with 5.0 assists per game and a 2.86 assist-turnover ratio.
Freshman center/forward Chris Cenac Jr. leads the Cougars and stands among the Big 12 Conference Top-10 leaders with 7.8 rebounds per game. Junior forward Joseph Tugler leads the Cougars with 2.5 blocks and 1.6 steals per game and is one of only two student-athletes to rank among the league's Top-12 in both categories.
BUY TICKETS
Fans can purchase Houston Hoops Showdown tickets to watch the Cougars face Florida State inside Toyota Center on Dec. 6 by clicking here.
Single-game home tickets for all games inside Fertitta Center are now on sale, and fans are encouraged to purchase quickly while supplies last. The two-time defending Big 12 Conference Champions, Houston will play host to 16 home games inside Fertitta Center with seven in non-conference play and nine in Big 12 action in 2025-26.
Fans interested in purchasing group tickets may complete this form to be contacted by a member of the Houston Athletics Tickets Sales staff.
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.
COUGARS in TOYOTA CENTER HISTORY
• The Cougars are 2-1 in games played inside Toyota Center since the facility opened on October 6, 2003.
• In its most recent outing in Toyota Center, #4/4 Houston dropped a tough 74-69 decision to #11/11 Auburn during the Mattress Firm Battleground 2k24 on Nov. 9, 2024.
• That marked the second straight season in which the Cougars played in Toyota Center, home of the NBA's Houston Rockets.
• During the 2023-24 season, fourth-ranked Houston enjoyed a 70-66 win over Texas A&M during the nightcap of The Halal Guys Showcase on December 16, 2023.
• In their first game in Toyota Center, the Cougars claimed a 54-52 win over Rice in the Dickies Shootout on December 21, 2013.
BOUNCING BACK
• Under Head Coach Kelvin Sampson's leadership, the Cougars have posted a 32-2 record, including 23 straight wins at one point, in games following a regular-season loss since Feb. 1, 2017.
• The Cougars have won handily in those games, winning by an average of 18.4 points per game (626 points in 34 games).
• In their most recent game following a regular-season loss, the Cougars took a 66-56 win over Notre Dame during the final day of the Players Era Championship inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 26, 2025. That victory came after a 76-73 loss to #17/16 Tennessee during the tournament's second day on Nov. 25, 2025.
• Houston has lost consecutive games only twice since Feb. 1, 2017.
• The most recent two-game losing skid came during the 2023-24 season. The Cougars fell 57-53 at Iowa State (Jan. 9, 2024) and lost at TCU, 68-67 (Jan. 13, 2024).
• Following that 1-2 start, Houston went on to win 14 of its next 15 Big 12 Conference games to capture the regular-season championship in its first year in the league.
ABOUT FLORIDA STATE
• Florida State enters Saturday's game with a 5-3 overall record.
• The Seminoles have lost their last two games after winning five of their first six to open the season.
• Florida State is 0-1 in neutral-site games this season.
• In its most recent action, Florida State dropped a 107-73 decision to Georgia inside the Donald L. Tucker Center in Tallahassee, Fla., on Tuesday night.
• Against Georgia, senior guard Robert McCray V led the Seminoles with 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting and tied with senior forward Alex Steen for team-high honors with five rebounds. Senior forward Chauncey Wiggins totaled 15 points with a team-high three 3-pointers while senior guard Lajae Jones led FSU with three assists.
• This season, McCray leads Florida State with 13.9 points and 7.0 assists per game and stands second on the team with 1.9 steals per contest. Wiggins stands second with 13.6 points per game while Jones averages 12.8 points per contest to rank third. Senior guard Kobe Magee is the fourth Seminole averaging double-digit points with 10.9 points per game, and Steen leads the way with 7.1 rebounds per contest.
• Head Coach Luke Loucks is in his first season at Florida State and as a collegiate head coach.
• Loucks has built a 5-3 record at Florida State and during his career.
• Saturday's game will be the first time that Loucks has faced Houston during his career.
• Saturday's game will be the first time that Loucks has faced Houston Head Coach Kelvin Sampson during their careers.
• 2012 graduate of Florida State.
SERIES HISTORY vs. FLORIDA STATE
• Houston owns a 3-2 lead in the series, which began during the 1961-62 season.
• The Cougars have won the last two meetings against the Seminoles.
• Saturday's game will be the first meeting against Florida State since Jan. 5, 1974.
• In the most recent meeting, the Cougars claimed a 79-74 win over Florida State during the second day of the Bluebonnet Classic inside Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston on Jan. 5, 1974.
• In the first meeting of the series, Houston took an 84-76 win over the Seminoles in Houston on Feb. 5, 1962.
at Neutral Site: Saturday's game will be the first time that Houston has faced Florida State at a neutral site during the series history.
TUNE IN
• Fans can watch Saturday's game on Peacock with James Westling (play-by-play) and King McClure (analyst) calling.
• Fans can hear Saturday's game on 950 AM KPRC, the Varsity Network app and SiriusXM Ch. 162 or Ch. 198 with Jeremy Branham (play-by-play) and Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes (analyst) calling. The pregame show begins at 6:45 p.m., Saturday.
• Fans can follow live stats from Saturday's game on StatBroadcast.
UP NEXT
• Following Saturday's game, the Cougars return to the friendly confines of Fertitta Center for a pair of home games.
• The homestand begins at 7 p.m., Wednesday, December 10, against Jackson State and continues against New Orleans at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. Both of those games will air on ESPN+.
• From there, Houston faces #25/23 Arkansas inside Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., during the Never Forget Tribute Classic on December 20. That game tips off at 4:30 p.m. (CST) and will air on CBS and Paramount+.
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC, the Varsity Network app and Sirius XM Radio.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the 50-50 Club, which provides financial support directly to Houston Men's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.
– UHCougars.com –
Players Mentioned
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