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The Houston Cougars have become more adventurous in their non-conference basketball schedule over the past few years. While Houston would usually finish that slate of the schedule undefeated, that has changed for the last two seasons.
Coach Kelvin Sampson has been willing to schedule strong competition and well-known programs to truly give a test to his team. It most notably made a difference in the 2024-25 season. The Cougars were significantly challenged during the non-conference portion of the schedule, and it paid dividends for the rest of the year.
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After going 4-3 to start that season, the Cougars won 31 out of the next 32 games to head to their first national championship game since 1984. In 2024, Houston faced Auburn in Toyota Center in downtown Houston, a team that was ranked highly and made the Final Four that season.
That was followed by the Player’s Era Tournament in Las Vegas. Houston lost two out of those three games, both in overtime. The Cougars lost to Alabama, which made it to the Final Four the previous season, and then to San Diego State. Those are all quality programs.
It gave a chance for Houston to make mistakes early and understand where it needs to grow and improve. That worked out. In 2025, Houston faced Auburn again, this time in Alabama. Due to much-needed NIL reasons, the Cougars participated in the Player’s Era again. They faced off against a ranked Tennessee and lost. The Cougars faced the Volunteers in the 2025 Elite Eight.
Houston also played Florida State in Toyota Center and additionally took on a ranked Arkansas team in a showcase in Newark. The benefits of playing a strong non-conference schedule are definitely there. Sampson and Houston have already planned two unique matchups for 2026.
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Some of Houston’s Non-Conference Opponents
Mar 26, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/houston-basketball-reveals-more-2026-222014909.html
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Publish date : 2026-05-06 22:20:00
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