What's wrong with Houston after its third straight loss? A deep dive into the Cougars' late-season swoon

February 26, 2026 - 21:41

For the first time in seven years, the Houston Cougars are navigating unfamiliar territory: a three-game losing streak. The skid has seen the typically dominant squad, a fixture near the top of the national rankings, fall to Big 12 rivals Iowa State, Baylor, and Kansas. The sudden downturn has fans and analysts alike searching for answers as March Madness approaches.

Head coach Kelvin Sampson, however, is projecting a veteran's calm. He attributes the recent struggles to the brutal realities of their new conference, the deepest in the nation. "Welcome to the Big 12," Sampson stated, emphasizing the nightly challenge. The statistics bear out the difficulty; the losses were by a combined 11 points, with two coming on the road in fiercely hostile environments.

The primary issues surfacing are offensive. The Cougars' physical, defensive-minded identity has not been matched by consistent scoring. During the streak, shooting percentages have plummeted, particularly from beyond the arc. The team's trademark toughness on the glass has also wavered at critical moments, allowing opponents second-chance opportunities.

While the losses are concerning, the context is crucial. Houston's defense remains elite, and their resume is still among the strongest in the country. Sampson's message is focused on correction, not alarm, trusting his experienced group to refine its execution. The coming weeks will reveal if this is a temporary stumble in a grueling league or a more significant flaw to be exposed in the postseason. The Cougars' championship aspirations now hinge on their response.