University of Houston Athletics
Men’s Basketball Meets Alabama in Jimmy V Classic on December 8
8/7/2026 8:21:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Game tips off inside Madison Square Garden as part of doubleheader
HOUSTON – The University of Houston Men's Basketball program will face Alabama inside Madison Square Garden on December 8 during the Jimmy V Classic, event organizers recently announced.The Cougars' showdown against the Crimson Tide will be part of a doubleheader with Duke facing Georgia. It also highlights Jimmy V Week, a week-long initiative across multiple ESPN platforms and programs featuring special content to help raise funds for cancer research.
Tickets information and broadcasting network will be announced soon.
SERIES HISTORY vs. ALABAMA
Alabama holds a 4-3 lead in the series history against the Cougars and has won the last three meetings with each of those games being decided by six or fewer points.
In the most recent encounter, the Crimson Tide took an 85-80 win in overtime in a battle of two Top-10 teams inside MGM Grand Garden Arena during the first day of the Players Era Festival on November 26, 2024.
This will be the second meeting against Alabama in Madison Square Garden as the Cougars enjoyed an 82-76 win over the 11th-ranked Crimson Tide during the NIT Semifinals on March 17, 1977.
ABOUT the COUGARS
Forward Joseph Tugler highlights four lettermen returning from the 2025-26 team, which went 30-7 and tied the NCAA Division I record with its fifth straight 30-win season.
After averaging 8.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and a team-high 1.8 blocks per game, Tugler earned Big 12 Conference All-Tournament Team honors and was named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. The Monroe, La., native also was named a finalist for the Naismith National Defensive Player of the Award for presented by MOLECULE and to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team, each for the second straight season.
Junior guard Mercy Miller, sophomore forward Chase McCarty and sophomore guard Kordel Jefferson also return for the Cougars. Miller scored a career-high 15 points in a home win over New Orleans and was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team while McCarty scored a career-best 20 points with six 3-pointers in a Big 12 road win at Oklahoma State to cap the regular season.
Jefferson was sidelined by a knee injury early in the season but returns after successful surgery and rehabilitation.
That veteran group will be joined by an eight-man newcomer class with freshman guard Ikenna Aloze, freshman center Arafan Diané, freshman center Djafar Silimana, junior forward Braden East, graduate guard Corey Hadnot II, graduate forward Delrecco Gillespie, senior guard Dedan Thomas Jr and freshman guard Tyus Thomas.
BUY TICKETS
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.
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 –
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