A historic matchup
The University of Houston Men’s Basketball Cougars will meet Alabama in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 8, as part of a doubleheader that also features Duke versus Georgia. The game headlines a week‑long fundraiser for cancer research, blending competition with a charitable cause.
Series history
Alabama holds a 4‑3 edge in the all‑time series, having won the last three meetings by six points or fewer. The most recent encounter ended in an 85‑80 overtime thriller at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 26, 2024, underscoring how tightly contested the rivalry has become.
Charity and community
The Classic is tied to Jimmy V Week, a nationwide initiative that channels donations toward cancer research. Fans attending the event will help support a cause that has become a staple of college basketball’s holiday schedule.
Key returnees
Forward Joseph Tugler, a Big 12 All‑Tournament Team selection, brings defensive intensity, while junior guard Mercy Miller recently earned Academic All‑District honors after posting a career‑high 15 points. Sophomore forward Chase McCarty also impressed with a 20‑point outing against Oklahoma State, and guard Kordel Jefferson is returning from knee surgery, adding depth to the backcourt.
The 2025‑26 squad, which finished 30‑7 and secured its fifth straight 30‑win season, will be bolstered by an eight‑player freshman class, promising fresh energy as the Cougars aim to extend their winning streak.