Preview: Middle Tennessee at Houston HOUSTON (Interstat) — The sixth-ranked Houston Cougars, riding high as one of the nation’s top teams, will host the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Monday at Hofheinz Pavilion. Houston (11-1) enters the contest with a singular blemish on its record, a 76-73 loss to Tennessee on Nov. 25. Since then, the Cougars have won six straight, including an impressive 94-85 road victory at Arkansas last Saturday. Their defense, a perennial hallmark under coach Kelvin Sampson, has been stifling, holding opponents to an average of 60.2 points per game. Guard Kingston Flemings has been a catalyst for Houston’s offense, averaging 15.5 points and 4.8 assists. He is coming off a 21-point, 5-assist performance against the Razorbacks. Emanuel Sharp, who scored 22 points in that game, provides additional backcourt firepower. Middle Tennessee (7-4) seeks a signature road win to bolster its resume. The Blue Raiders have won three of their last four, including a 74-58 victory over Cumberland on Dec. 21. Their success hinges heavily on forward Torey Alston, who is averaging 15.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Alston recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Cumberland. However, the Blue Raiders have struggled against high-major competition this season, falling by 24 points at Michigan and by 21 to Belmont. Contending with Houston’s relentless defensive pressure and physicality presents their toughest challenge to date. The game serves as a final tune-up for both teams before conference play begins in January. Houston opens Big 12 play at Cincinnati on Jan. 3, while Middle Tennessee starts Conference USA action at home against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 2. Monday’s matchup tips off at 7 p.m. CST. Houston holds a 3-0 all-time series advantage over Middle Tennessee, with the last meeting occurring in 2019.