Kansas, Houston Set for Big Monday Clash

Both teams look to bounce back from weekend losses

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Kansas basketball will host Houston on Monday night in a matchup of two top teams looking to rebound from weekend defeats. The Jayhawks, led by head coach Bill Self, will try to avoid their first back-to-back home losses under his tenure, while the Cougars, coached by Kelvin Sampson, aim to prevent their first three-game skid since 2017.

Why it matters

This game features two of the nation's top teams, with Houston ranked in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. The Cougars have had Kansas' number in recent years, winning the last three matchups, including a double-overtime victory in Lawrence last season.

The details

Houston brings the country's No. 9 offense and No. 7 defense, led by star freshman Kingston Flemings (16.6 ppg, 5.2 apg) and veterans Emanuel Sharp (16.4 ppg) and Milos Uzan (11.1 ppg). The Cougars excel at taking care of the ball (No. 3 nationally in turnovers) and forcing turnovers (No. 12). Kansas, meanwhile, will look to snap a three-game skid against Houston and maintain its perfect 40-0 record on Big Monday under Bill Self.

  • The game is scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. CT.
  • Kansas has lost the last three matchups against Houston, including a double-overtime defeat at home last season.

The players

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, who has led the team to a perfect 40-0 record on Big Monday games.

Kelvin Sampson

The head coach of the Houston Cougars, who is looking to avoid his team's first three-game losing streak since the 2017 season.

Kingston Flemings

A star freshman for the Houston Cougars, averaging 16.6 points and 5.2 assists per game.

Emanuel Sharp

A veteran guard for the Houston Cougars, averaging 16.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Milos Uzan

A returning player for the Houston Cougars, averaging 11.1 points on 38.3% shooting with 4.1 assists per game.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready to play our best basketball on Monday night against a very talented Houston team.”

— Bill Self, Head Coach, Kansas Jayhawks (247sports.com)

“Our team is focused on bouncing back and getting back in the win column against a tough Kansas squad.”

— Kelvin Sampson, Head Coach, Houston Cougars (247sports.com)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a big step towards securing a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This matchup between two top-10 teams features contrasting styles, with Houston's efficient offense and stifling defense going up against Kansas' storied program and home-court advantage. The outcome could have major implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.