COUGARS

Houston and Texas remain firmly entrenched atop The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll, while preseason No. 1 North Carolina has dropped out entirely after a fourth straight loss.

Houston and Texas remain firmly entrenched atop The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll.

North Carolina had been No. 1 all season, but the Tar Heels lost to Iowa State and Alabama at the Phil Knight Invitational to cede the top spot to Houston.

For the first time since Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler roamed the hardwood for Phi Slama Jama, Houston is ranked No. 1.

Two VYPE Preseason Top 20 teams Summer Creek faced Cypress Creek in the McDonalds Invitational over the weekend.

Kentucky drops out, Virginia rises, and the Big Ten rules in John Fanta's Power Rankings. Check out his Top 15, his Player of the Week, and more!

“Edinburg North is so good in the run that finally I had to have some guts and call some pass plays,” Cantu said. Linebacker Frank Quintero delivered a lights-out performance, forcing a pair of fumbles during the contest, including one inside the 5 to keep Edinburg North out of the end zone. “Our defense really stepped up tonight,” Cantu said. It is nice to see the improvement and to be able to beat a district champ like Edinburg North. We respect Edinburg North so much.

Cougars roll Northern Colorado in opener as Sampson wins 700th

Timely plays on defense and special teams led Edinburg North past Edinburg High on Friday, securing at least a share of the district crown.

City rivals Edinburg High and Edinburg North are set to clash in a huge District 31-6A matchup tonight, with the district crown on the line.

Edinburg North kicker Ramiro Vargas came up big for the Cougars, scoring all 18 points to help his team improve to 3-0 in district play.

The Cougars have their highest preseason ranking since 1983, when Phi Slama Jama was making Final Four appearances.

Edinburg North improved to 2-0 in district play behind a dominant performance from running back Ulysses Melendez.

The student-run shop has a hip vibe that perfectly fits the quality and originality of its menu and service.

HOUSTON - We have hit the bye week part of the year.

There may be no reason to put second-ranked Alabama and No. 17 Baylor on upset alert even though both are playing Sun Belt Conference teams in Week 3.

The Cougars are nationally ranked and receive millions in university support—so why does UH consistently play in a half-empty home stadium?

There are three legitimate threats for the district championship.

Cougars in Preseason College Football Coaches poll for first time since 2016

Edinburg North, Edinburg Vela to open season with Peanut Butter BowlBy BRYAN RAMOSStaff WriterEDINBURG — Edinburg North and Ednburg Vela are set to kick off the 2022 football season with an intra-city rivalry game between the Cougars and SaberCats on Aug. 26 at Richard R. Flores Stadium in Edinburg. North and Vela are among 40 high schools and communities throughout central and south Texas participating in Peanut Butter Bowls in their season openers this year. Edinburg Vela head coach John Campbell, who coached in San Antonio prior to taking over the SaberCats’ program, thought it would be good to bring the idea to the RGV for the first time. Can the North community get more donations than the Vela community, so it’s a friendly rivalry that all goes back to a good cause. What better way to do it than against our crosstown sister school in Edinburg Vela?

Mid-Valley teams gathered at PSJA Stadium on Thursday for the first of three RGVSports.com Football Media Days.

"This is the product of many years of vision, leadership and dedication"

This upcoming season will be the final one in the American for the Cougars.

Guard Marcus Sasser will withdraw from NBA draft consideration and return to UH.

FOOTBALL

Strike or get struck.

On Tuesday's show: Missouri City uses new technology to improve 911 response times, City Council Member Mike Knox answers questions about issues facing the city, UH men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson talks about the Cougars' last two NCAA tournament runs, and we talk with Sean Carey of the band Bon Iver.

Jermaine Samuels had 16 points and 10 rebounds as Villanova advanced to its third Final Four in the last six NCAA Tournaments with a 50-44 victory over Houston in the South Region final.

It was another deep postseason run for the University of Houston’s men’s basketball team, but this time, the Cougars fell just short of the Final Four.

From San Antonio, KPRC 2 sports director Randy McIlvoy recaps the memorable night it was for the University of Houston men's basketball team in their win over top-seeded Arizona.

The Cougars are a win away from getting to the NCAA Final Four for the second year in a row.

The Cougars are heading to Pittsburgh to compete in March Madness for yet another year.

Fabian White Jr. had 18 points with eight rebounds and 18th-ranked Houston overcame a 10-point deficit in the seond half to beat Cincinnati 69-56 in a American Athletic Conference tournament quarterfinal game.

University of Houston men’s basketball head coach Kelvin Sampson has been named a semifinalist for college basketball’s Naismith Coach of the Year award.

Kelvin Sampson won AAC Coach of the Year for the third time for good reason.

Tyler Harris scored 15 points and Landers Nolley and Lester Quinones added 11 each to lead Memphis to a 75-61 victory over No. 14 Houston.

Fabian White Jr. had 26 points and six rebounds and No. 14 Houston scored the first 15 points in an 84-46 victory over Temple on Thursday night.

Kyler Edwards scored 14 of his 21 points in the second half, and No. 14 Houston defeated Tulane 81-67.

University of Houston men's basketball head coach Kelvin Sampson has been named to the watch list for college basketball's Naismith Coach of the Year award.

Monday February 14th, the Cypress Creek girl’s basketball team faced of the Westside Wolves at Delmar Fieldhouse. Both teams fought for the Bi-District Championship. The Cougars won over Westside with a score of 70-54, they will face off either Katy or Dulles in the area round of playoffs.

Tigee Rideaux has revitalized the Nimitz men’s basketball program in a short period of time.

The UTRGV women’s basketball team won its second straight Western Athletic Conference game, downing Chicago State 58-47 on Thursday at the Emil & Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center in Chicago, Ill. The Vaqueros (6-9, 2-1 WAC) exploded early and outscored the Cougars 23-6 during the first quarter to take a commanding lead and never looked back. Freshman guard KaCee Kyle scored 14 points on 3-for-3 shooting from 3-point range, while sophomore forward Sara Bershers added 10 points and four rebounds. Sophomore guard Maria Llorente added eight points and two steals off the bench.

Fabian White Jr. had 15 points and 14 rebounds, and Jamal Shead scored 14 points to lead depleted No. 12 Houston past Temple 66-61 on Sunday night.

The University of Houston will have a gaping hole to fill on their men's basketball team with leading scorer Marcus Sasser announcing on his Instagram that he is done for the season.

Texas State dropped its final non-conference game of the season on the road Wednesday, falling to No. 13 Houston, 80-47."I thought we ran up against a juggernaut today.[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] Sports San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]

Josh Carlton scored a season-high 20 points, Kyler Edwards added 14 and No. 13 Houston defeated Texas State 80-47.

Dylan Hopkins broke the Independence Bowl record for completion percentage in wind and driving rain, connecting on 19 of 23 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns in UAB’s 31-28 victory over No. 12 BYU on Saturday.

Marcus Jones' strong showing this season for University of Houston football has gotten recognized as a Consensus All-American.

HOUSTON - After Crosby made its historic run to the UIL Class 5A Division II State Championship game last year, the biggest question was could they do it again?

Nimitz is looking to find that playoff magic in 2022. The Cougars have only made one playoff appearance in program history. That came back in 2014.

Nimitz reached the playoffs a year ago but fell in the first round to The Woodlands, 2-1. So, what’s in store for the Cougars this season?

Tramon Mark tied a career high with 22 points, Josh Carlton added 17 and No. 15 Houston won its third straight, beating Bryant 111-44.

KPRC 2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoy and longtime UH beat reporter Joseph Duarte break down the keys to the game ahead of UH's AAC conference championship matchup against No. 4 Cincinnati.

KPRC 2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoy goes 1-on-1 with UH football head coach Dana Holgorsen one day before Houston's conference championship game matchup against No. 4 Cincinnati.

A recap and roundup of college football games in Texas on Saturday, including Baylor upending Texas Tech to keep Big 12 title hopes alive.

Three of those were in the Pac-12, with Washington, Washington Sate and USC all dismissing their coaches in the midst of the regular season. Cougars head coach Nick Rolovich refused to get vaccinated although it was required of state employees.

Fabian White Jr. scored 21 points and No. 12 Houston rode a dominating first half to a 70-52 win over Butler in the opening round of the Maui Invitational.

FÚTBOL IS A FAMILY TRADITION INSIDE THE BLANCO HOUSEHOLD.

Clayton Tune threw for 264 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score as No. 17 Houston extended its winning streak to 10 games with a 31-13 victory over Memphis.

KATY—Cinco Ranch coach Chris Dudley could sense progress.

A recap and roundup of Texas college football games from multiple conferences on Saturday.

Alton McCaskill rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns as No. 17 Houston methodically dispatched Temple 37-8 to clinch a berth in the American Athletic Conference championship game.

HOUSTON - As Tomball prepared to open its playoff run throughout the week, senior quarterback Cale Hellums admits they did it with a bit of a “chip on their shoulder”.

KATY—It’s difficult to beat any team three times in one season. It’s even tougher when that team is a district rival.

KATY—A No. 3 seed beating a No. 2 seed in the bi-district round of the high school volleyball playoffs isn’t too often noteworthy. It happens.

Huddle up! Here’s a look back at this weekend on the gridiron, with three key takeaways from the state’s football scene.

The Cougars have checked two wins off that list after defeating fellow playoff hopeful PSJA High 28-7 on Friday night at Richard R. Flores Stadium. Edinburg North quarterback Evan Medrano tossed three first-half touchdowns to three different receivers and scored on the ground from 2 yards. While the Cougars’ attention lies on Juarez-Lincoln, they’ll keep an eye on the Week 11 matchup between Edinburg High (4-5, 4-3) and PSJA High. If the Bobcats beat the Bears, Edinburg High clinches District 31-6A’s No. 4 seed as they’ve recorded wins over both Edinburg High and PSJA High.

Abram Smith ran for 188 yards with three touchdowns and Baylor beat future Big 12 foe and 19th-ranked BYU 38-24.

It took a little longer than expected, but Washington State seems to be rolling. The Cougars' defense is proving to be stout as evidenced by their performance the past two weeks. The state of Washington has set a deadline of next Monday for all public employees — including the Cougars coach — to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Hank Bachmeier threw for 172 yards and Boise State forced four turnovers in a 26-17 upset victory over No. 10 BYU on Saturday.

Tyler Allgeier ran for a career-high 218 yards and three touchdowns to help No. 13 BYU beat Utah State 34-20 on Friday night.

EDINBURG — The Edinburg Vela SaberCats raced out to a 14-point lead less than six minutes into their game against crosstown rival Edinburg North. By the time the scoreboard clock struck zeroes, however, Edinburg Vela scored 49 unanswered points during a 63-12 thrashing of Edinburg North on Friday at Richard R. Flores Stadium. We made some mistakes and it was a little frustrating early on,” Edinburg Vela head coach John Campbell said. Everyone faces adversity, so I just told our guys ‘heads up,’ and we just executed and things went well for us,” the quarterback Campbell said. Next for the SaberCats is a crosstown rivalry game between District 31-6A’s unbeatens as Edinburg Vela hosts Edinburg High (3-2, 3-0) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Richard R. Flores Stadium.

EDINBURG — Senior quarterbacks Kevin Guerra and Evan Medrano are in their first years as starters at Mission High and Edinburg North, respectively. Friday night, Guerra will lead Mission High into a pivotal District 31-6A contest against Medrano and Edinburg North at 7:30 p.m. at Bill Pate Stadium in Hidalgo. The process of becoming a starting quarterback began last year for North’s Medrano, a former receiver. During the offseason, Edinburg North head coach Damian Gonzalez and staff spoke to Medrano about his role in the Cougars’ offense. Edinburg North averaged just 216 yards in five games last season.

The Cougars' move is great news for UH fans, but it shouldn't have required UT taking a sledgehammer to the conference to make it happen.

UH athletics could begin competing as early as fall 2023.

They're sick of losing. Absolutely tired of it.

There are multiple reports that the University of Houston is one of the focal points of the Big 12's adjustment for an era without Texas and Oklahoma.

SANTA ROSA — There were a lot of positives and areas to fix highlighted when the Santa Rosa Warriors and Santa Maria Cougars kicked off their seasons with a scrimmage Friday.

EDINBURG — Edinburg North’s Evan Medrano made his first start at quarterback on the biggest stage of the Cougars’ 2020 season — a bi-district playoff game against District 32-6A co-champion Harlingen High. While Edinburg North lost 38-3, the wide receiver-turned-quarterback said it was a valuable experience that helped his mindset entering his senior season as the Cougars’ starter. The offense will adjust to play to Medrano’s strengths as a former speedy receiver, but Gonzalez said the Cougars will attack by air more often. North will kick off 31-6A competition with a rivalry game against Edinburg Economedes on Sept. 10 in Edinburg. “We stress to continue to work hard every day and it’s going to pay off with a playoff berth, and hopefully a district title,” Gonzalez said.

Santa Maria football coach Israel Gracia felt his team was “left hanging” when their 2020 season ended after just one game, so the Cougars aren’t taking this season for granted.

Houston had reached the program's first Final Four in nearly four decades through tough defense and relentless rebounding. But the Cougars struggled with both areas in Saturday's 78-59 loss to Baylor in the national semifinals.

Coach Kelvin Sampson leads the Cougars to their first NCAA Final Four appearance in 37 years, and Sampson’s second time advancing to the Final Four since leading Oklahoma in 2001.

Houston overcame a blown 17-point lead to hold off Oregon State 67-61 in the NCAA Tournament and reach the Final Four for the first time in 37 years.

Monday night delivered a much needed reprieve from Houston's collective sports depression when the UH men's basketball team ascended to the Final Four for the first time in almost 40 years.

Quentin Grimes scored 14 points to help Houston beat Syracuse 62-46 in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. That sent the second-seeded Cougars through to their first regional final in 37 years, earning a matchup with No. Houston (27-3) came in holding opponents to a national-low 37.3% shooting, and then harassed Syracuse (18-10) into just 28% (14 for 50). "It's the best defense that that we've seen this year and they deserved to win," coach Jim Boeheim said. Subscribe to Today in Houston Fill out the form below to subscribe our new daily editorial newsletter from the HPM Newsroom.

The Cougars have had five games either canceled or postponed because of the pandemic, pushing their season opener back again and again. In more than 25 years of coaching college football, Houston's Dana Holgorsen had dealt with only two canceled games before this season. He and the Cougars have had five games either canceled or postponed because of the pandemic, pushing their season opener back again and again. Their first cancellation came in July when Washington State called off its game as the Pac-12 put the football season on hold. "So, we've been ready, we've stayed ready and now it's time to go play."

HOUSTON University of Houston senior forward Fabian White Jr. will miss the 2020-21 season after suffering a knee injury, Head Coach Kelvin Sampson announced Wednesday evening. Practicing in a recent workout on his own, White tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which was confirmed by an MRI on Tuesday. I feel badly for Fabian. He had worked really hard to have a great senior season, Sampson said. White was one of only two Cougars to start all 31 games in 2019-20, averaging 9.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

Max Faulkner/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT via Getty ImagesHouston - City bragging rights are on the line tonight as the University of Houston takes on Rice inside Tudor Fieldhouse. While the short five- mile drive from the UH campus to Rice's base on South Main, it is technically considered a road trip for the Cougars. Then again, they've done these short trips before. "It's a 5- mile trip for us but remember not long ago before Fertitta Center opened, we had 19 two mile trips," said UH Head Coach Kelvin Sampson referencing UH's former temporary home at Texas Southern. Rice's last win over UH: January 30, 2013 ( 79-69)Coogs leadersFreshman Caleb Mills and Jr.

2019 Getty ImagesHOUSTON - The University of Houston football team will face Tulane on Thursday night in New Orleans. It'll be the fourth game for the Cougars over an 18-day span. The team doesn't want to use that as an excuse for their 1-2 start to the season. After this one is over Thursday, we got one game in 22 days, so we will have plenty of time to recuperate. We're not supposed to not win cause we are underdogs, this has been challenging, in what amounts to four games in 18 days."

Houston quarterback D'Eriq King passes during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Prairie View, Saturday. HOUSTON - D'Eriq King threw for a touchdown and ran for two more scores as Houston beat Prairie View 37-17 on Saturday night. The Cougars struck early, capping their first drive with Witherspoon's longest field goal of the night, a 46-yarder. Witherspoon booted a 22-yard field goal late in the quarter and the Cougars were up 34-10 at the break. Houston scored only once in the second half, on Witherspoon's 29-yard field goal midway through the third quarter, to push it to 37-10.

The Cougars will be the favorite this week against Prairie View A&M. Here are some things to watch Saturday at 7 p.m.:1. A fast start is expected when Houston hosts Prairie View A&M in their home opener at TDECU Stadium. After Week 1, Tucker leads the FCS in rushing yards (188), plus the yards per carry average with 17.1. In Prairie View's season opener against Texas Southern, Tucker had 298 all-purpose yards.

Houston travels to Norman, Oklahoma to play the fourth-ranked Sooners in the season opener. Every season Holgorsen leads a nationally-ranked high power offense. Replacing consecutive Heisman winners at quarterbackLast year's 2018 Heisman winner Kyler Murray passed for 4,361 yards, 42 touchdowns, and 1,137 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. The Houston defense allowed 275.5 passing yards per game, while giving up an average of 57.8 points in their losses last season. Also, their top three rushers returning: Patrick Carr (893 yards, 5 TD), D'Eriq King (784 yards, 14 TD), and Mulbah Car (334 yards 2 TD).

It is no secret DEriq King is one of the best quarterbacks in college football, but hes also one of the most slept on. HOUSTON - It is no secret DEriq King is one of the best quarterbacks in college football, but hes also one of the most slept on. During the 2018 season, King was responsible for 50 touchdowns and over 3,600 yards. Ive been working on sliding the summer," King said. Entering his senior season, his teammates say hes taken that leadership to a new level.

The University of Houston is investigating why a postgame celebration looked more like a brawl. Football fans rushed the field on Saturday after the Cougars beat Temple for the conference championship. Cameras captured security guards hired by the school beating some of the fans. Manuel Bojorquez reports.