PREVIEW: Men’s Basketball Hosts Montana Tech in Thursday Exhibition

HOUSTON – The University of Houston Men's Basketball program begins its 82^nd season when it tips off against Montana Tech at 7 p.m., Thursday, inside Fertitta Center in the first of two exhibition contests this season.

Thursday's game will be the first of 17 contests inside Fertitta Center during the 2026-27 season.

BUY EXHIBITION TICKETS
Fans can purchase $10 tickets for Thursday's exhibition game by clicking here. Fans can purchase parking passes for Thursday's game by clicking here.

Season-ticket holders who have claimed their tickets for Thursday's exhibition game should park in the corresponding lot for their season tickets.

BUY REGULAR-SEASON TICKETS
Regular-season single-game home tickets for all games inside Fertitta Center go on sale at 10 a.m., Thursday, and fans are encouraged to purchase quickly while supplies last. Houston will play host to 17 home games inside Fertitta Center with eight in non-conference play and nine in Big 12 action in 2026-27.

Fans interested in purchasing group tickets may complete this form to be contacted by a member of the Houston Athletics Tickets Sales staff.

Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.

PROMOTIONS
• The first 500 fans inside Fertitta Center will receive a limited-edition Coach Kelvin Sampson poster.
• University of Houston fans are encouraged to bring book donations to Thursday's game in support of the Cougar Book Drive.
• The Cougars are teaming with Commuter Ambassadors and the Dean of Students Office to provide books to schools in the Third Ward and surrounding community.
• Tables will be available near the ticket scanners at all entrances when doors open beginning at 6 p.m., Thursday.

TUNE IN
• Fans can watch Thursday's game on ESPN+ with Matt Pedersen (play-by-play), Scott Garner (analyst) and Austyn Iven (reporter) calling.
• Fans can follow live stats from Thursday's game on StatBroadcast.

ABOUT MONTANA TECH
• Like Houston, Thursday's game will be the exhibition opener for Montana Tech.
• In 2025-26, Montana Tech finished with a 23-9 overall record and 12-4 mark in Frontier League play. It was the Orediggers' fifth straight 20-win season.
• Montana Tech tied with Montana Western for fourth in the 2025-26 Frontier League standings.
• The Orediggers advanced to the NAIA Tournament before bowing out to #1 Oklahoma Wesleyan, 67-46, in the Second Round (March 14, 2026).
• Senior guard Brayden Koch returns after leading Montana Tech with 14.8 points per game a year ago. Senior forward Rhett Reynolds is the Orediggers' leading returning rebounder after grabbing 4.7 boards per game while senior forward Ethan Venema led the team with 2.4 assists per contest.
• Head Coach Adam Hiatt is in his 11th season at Montana Tech and his 15th year as a collegiate head coach.
• Hiatt has built a 198-109 record with Montana Tech and is 271-157 during his career.
• He previously compiled a 73-48 record with Westminster (2011-15).
• Hiatt is 0-1 against Houston during his career in an exhibition game.
• Hiatt is 0-1 against Houston Head Coach Kelvin Sampson during their careers in an exhibition game.
• Hiatt is a 2004 graduate of Westminster.

SERIES HISTORY vs. MONTANA TECH
• Houston has posted a 2-0 record against Montana Tech during its history with both of those coming in exhibition games.
• Thursday's game will be the first meeting against the Orediggers since the 2021-22 season.
• In the most recent meeting, Houston claimed a 78-51 win inside Fertitta Center on Nov. 6, 2021.
• In the first meeting against Montana Tech, the Cougars took a 95-65 win inside Hofheinz Pavilion on Nov. 13, 2015.
at Home: The Cougars own a 2-0 lead against Montana Tech in games on their home court during the series.
• In the most recent meeting, Houston claimed a 78-51 win inside Fertitta Center on Nov. 6, 2021.
• In the first home meeting against Montana Tech, the Cougars took a 95-65 win inside Hofheinz Pavilion on Nov. 13, 2015.
in Fertitta Center: Houston owns a 1-0 record against Montana Tech in home games played inside Fertitta Center during the series.
• In the most recent meeting, Houston claimed a 78-51 win inside Fertitta Center on Nov. 6, 2021.

UP NEXT
• Following Thursday's game, the Cougars continue their exhibition schedule when they face defending national champion Michigan.
• That game will tip off at Noon (CT), Sunday, Oct. 25, inside Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich., during The Battleground 2k26. It will air on B1G+.
• From there, Houston opens its 2026-27 regular-season schedule when it plays host to La Salle at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 2, inside Fertitta Center.
• It will be the first meeting against the Explorers since the 1975-76 season.
• That Nov. 2 game can be heard on 950 AM KPRC, SirusXM and the Varsity Network app.

SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the 50-50 Club, which provides financial support directly to Houston Men's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.

Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.

– UHCougars.com –

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