Houston has won and covered five straight, a surge that has landed the Cougars in the top 25 for the first time in 13 years. The surge includes their signature win, a comeback victory over Cincinnati. On Thursday, they face an erratic but resurgent Memphis club looking for a milestone win of its own and the chance to forge a winning record in conference play. The Tigers have won two straight since switching to a zone defense. Houston has a good chance to win out in the AAC, but Memphis has the best chance to spoil that bid.