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University of Houston to Face University of Arkansas in Key Basketball Matchup

The atmosphere of anticipation and excitement during a thrilling collegiate basketball matchup.

News Summary

The University of Houston will compete against the University of Arkansas in a non-conference men’s basketball game to be held at the Barclays Center. This matchup marks the return of a historic rivalry that last saw action in 2017, when Houston achieved a notable victory. Both teams are preparing for the upcoming season, with strong lineups and high hopes for success in their non-conference schedules. Fans are eagerly anticipating this exciting clash of talent and tradition.

New York City – The University of Houston will face the University of Arkansas in a highly anticipated non-conference men’s basketball game scheduled for December 20, 2025. This matchup will take place at the Barclays Center, a prominent arena known for hosting major sporting events and entertainment.

This game signifies the revival of a historical rivalry between the Cougars and the Razorbacks, who were once fierce opponents in the former Southwest Conference. The two teams last met in 2017, when Houston triumphed with a decisive victory of 91-65 at Texas Southern’s H&PE Arena.

For the upcoming 2025-26 season, the Houston Cougars are set to compete in a non-conference schedule that features 13 games in total. Among these is a notable matchup against Florida State, which will be held at the Toyota Center; however, the specific date for this game has yet to be announced. Houston will open their regular season on November 3, facing Lehigh at Fertitta Center. Additionally, they are scheduled to host Middle Tennessee on December 29 and will participate in The Players Era Festival in Las Vegas during Thanksgiving week.

The complete non-conference schedule for the Cougars is expected to be released later this summer, as they continue to enhance their national visibility and compete for playoff contention in the upcoming season.

Arkansas, under the guidance of coach John Calipari, has expressed a keen interest in playing high-profile games in New York following recent participation in the Jimmy V Classic. The Razorbacks have also arranged to play against Duke in Chicago on Thanksgiving Day. In addition, they plan to host Baylor and may meet Central Arkansas in Fayetteville during the next season.

Heading into this crucial season, the Razorbacks are excited to build upon a solid core of returning players, including D.J. Wagner and Karter Knox, while also welcoming a number of top recruits into their lineup. Among these newcomers are five-star prospects Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas, who are expected to make a significant impact on the team’s performance.

On the other hand, the Cougars are also looking to leverage their ensemble of returning players to maintain their competitive edge. Key contributors such as Milos Uzan, Emanuel Sharp, and Joseph Tugler are anticipated to enhance the team’s capabilities as they strive for success following their impressive run last season, where they were the national runner-up after losing to Florida in the championship game.

Additionally, Houston’s 2025 recruiting class boasts highly rated freshman Chris Cenac along with several notable signings, suggesting a promising season ahead. Both programs are committed to maintaining their strong national presence, and this upcoming game at Barclays Center represents a significant opportunity for both teams to showcase their talent on a big stage.

This matchup is just one of the exciting events on the 2025-26 collegiate basketball calendar, highlighting the competitive spirit and tradition of both the University of Houston and the University of Arkansas. Fans and supporters from both sides are eagerly awaiting this clash, which is expected to deliver thrilling basketball action and further energize an already intense rivalry.