Four of the biggest collegiate brands in southeast Texas will battle it out at Toyota Center

Press Release by Relevent Worldwide | Photo credit: Xavier Rosales, SFL Staff Photographer

Four of the biggest collegiate brands in southeast Texas will battle it out at Toyota Center on Saturday, December 16, 2023. The matchups were formally announced today with tipoff between Texas vs. LSU set for 11 am and Houston vs. Texas A&M at 1:30 pm CT on ESPN2. 

“We’re really excited to take our program to Houston and be a part of The Halal Guys Showcase.” Longhorns Head Coach Rodney Terry said. “When we bring together Texas, LSU, Houston and Texas A&M on December 16th, it should be an elite college basketball event in a fantastic atmosphere at Toyota Center. It’s very important to take our brand around the great state of Texas, and this matchup against LSU is a great opportunity to play a very well-coached and high-level opponent in front of so many Texas fans and alumni.” 

Terry was joined by UH Athletic Director Chris Pezman, whose Cougars are preparing for their first season in the loaded Big 12, along with Texas A&M Associate Head Coach Devin Johnson, and LSU Assistant Coach Ronnie Hamilton. All four coaching staffs are looking forward to showcasing their teams in December. 

“Playing a game of this magnitude in this environment will help us tremendously in preparing for the rigors of the SEC schedule and postseason play.” Said Texas A&M Head Coach Buzz Williams. “We’re excited and grateful for the opportunity. I have the greatest respect for Coach Sampson and his Houston program. There are over 100,000 living alumni of Texas A&M University in the Houston area so I hope the 12th Man can turn Toyota Center into Reed Arena South on December 16.” 

“We are excited to be participating in the Halal Guys Showcase this December in Houston at the Toyota Center.” Said Matt McMahon, Head Coach, LSU Basketball. “We look forward to facing the Texas Longhorns in this big event. We are excited to showcase our LSU Basketball team in front of the many LSU fans and alumni that live in the area and hope they will join the fans of all four teams in supporting the doubleheader.” 

Title sponsor, The Halal Guys, the largest American halal food concept and one of the world’s fastest-growing fast-casual franchises, is entering into their first title partnership. Eight of the restaurant’s 100+ international locations are located in the larger Houston region. 

"We are so proud to announce The Halal Guys Showcase!” said The Halal Guys Director of Training, Eric Silva, “The Houston area is one of our largest, showcasing the continued love for American Halal and The Halal Guys experience by the masses outside of our New York origins!"