Yardbarker
x
No. 12 Texas Tech spoils record-setting performance from Kingston Flemings in thrilling win over No. 6 Houston
Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings goes high to shoot against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward JT Toppin. Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

No. 12 Texas Tech spoils record-setting performance from Kingston Flemings in thrilling win over No. 6 Houston

By Colby Colwell  |  Last updated Jan 24, 2026 5:27 PM ET

Houston freshman Kingston Flemings had a performance to remember in Saturday's thriller against No. 12 Texas Tech.

In the end, it was still not enough as the Red Raiders (16-4, 6-1 Big 12) outlasted No. 6 Houston (17-2, 5-1 Big 12), 90-86, to avenge an earlier season loss to the Cougars back on Jan. 6.

Junior forward JT Toppin scored a team-high 31 points (12-of-24 FG) and 12 rebounds, good for his eighth career 30-point double-double. However, that was not the only stat line that stood out from the game.

Kingston Flemings goes off in loss

The Houston freshman had a career-high 42 points (15-of-26 FG, 4-of-9 3PT) and six assists, setting a program freshman record for points. He also became the first Big 12 freshman with at least 30 points and five assists on the road since Trae Young in 2018, per the ESPN broadcast.

According to ESPN college basketball insider Jeff Borzello, Flemings' 42 points are tied for the most against an AP-ranked opponent in program history (h/t ESPN Research). Furthermore, he is the first player to score at least 40 points for a Kelvin Sampson-coached team since Brian Quinnett scored 44 in 1989.

Flemings has been overlooked at times this season, largely due to the deeply talented freshman class. With that said, he was already projected to be a top-five draft pick, per Tankathon. 

He entered Saturday as the second-leading scorer on the team (15.6 PPG) behind senior guard Emanuel Sharp (15.9 PPG), but it is obvious how vital he is to Houston's success and why he is projected to be drafted so highly.

JT Toppin answers the call for Texas Tech

The historic performance from Flemings was something to behold, but it was not enough to outduel Toppin and the Red Raiders. While the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year entered the day tied for the fourth-best odds to win the Wooden Award, per FanDuel, there is no denying how valuable he is to Texas Tech coming off his 44th career double-double and 13th of the season.

The most impressive part of Texas Tech's win was its ability to have success against Houston's top-ranked defense (60.1 PPG). which held the Red Raiders to just 65 points in the first meeting. Texas Tech nearly hit that mark in the first half alone on Saturday with 55.

Both of these teams clearly look like national title contenders in a loaded Big 12 conference. Texas Tech has won five straight, including two marquee games against an 11th-ranked BYU team and Houston. The Cougars, meanwhile, had won 11 straight since their lone defeat to a 17th-ranked Tennessee squad back on Nov. 25.

Flemings was simply sensational and proved why he is one of the best freshmen in the entire country, but Toppin made sure to deliver an impressive performance of his own to help Texas Tech spoil the historic effort.

Colby Colwell
LinkedIn

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!