In a tightly contested NCAA college basketball matchup, the Houston Cougars fell to the Tennessee Volunteers 76-73 during the Players Era tournament in Las Vegas on November 25, 2025. In a game marked by aggressive play on both sides, Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson repeatedly urged his team to drive to the basket in hopes of reaching the free-throw line and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
Despite Houston’s efforts, the Cougars were significantly outmatched in free-throw attempts, finishing with only 11 tries compared to Tennessee’s 29. “I’m not saying we weren’t fouling, but they were too,” Sampson said, highlighting the crucial role of fouls and free throws in the game’s outcome. The Volunteers excelled at the line, converting 23 of 29 attempts, and they particularly shined in the second half, where they consistently found themselves at the free-throw line during critical moments.
Houston maintained a strong start, leading by as many as 11 points, but a drought of more than seven minutes without a field goal in the second half allowed Tennessee to capitalize and take control of the game. Kingston Flemings, a standout player for Houston, scored a career-high 25 points and demonstrated his versatility with impressive plays throughout the game. However, despite his contributions, he managed just two free-throw attempts, which Sampson found perplexing given his drive-first mentality.
The Cougars’ leading scorer, Emanuel Sharp, faced early foul trouble, ultimately limiting his presence on the floor, which played a significant role in Houston’s struggle to maintain their early lead. Uzan was the only other player for Houston to break into double figures, finishing with 17 points, while Chris Cenac Jr. contributed significantly on the boards with 11 rebounds.
Tennessee’s Ja’Kobi Gillespie was pivotal in the victory, scoring 22 points and hitting key free throws in the closing moments to secure the win. The Cougars, now sporting a 6-1 record, will have to regroup and refine their strategy as they look ahead to the remainder of the season. Sampson’s critique of the free-throw disparity has highlighted an area for improvement, emphasizing that making winning plays is essential as they navigate their competitive schedule. Despite the loss, the performance by the young roster indicates room for growth and resilience potential as they advance through the season.