When you're going up against Kansas coach Bill Self on Big Monday, you might as well just throw in the towel.

Kansas scored a big upset over Houston, 69-56, on Monday at Allen Fieldhouse, in a much-anticipated battle of two of the most talented programs in the country.

After a tight affair in the first half, the No. 14 Jayhawks upped the ante in the second half, outscoring the No. 5 Cougars, 38-29, to seal the hard-earned victory and improve to 21-7, including 11-4 in the Big 12.

It also maintained the unblemished record of Self on Big Monday, as he is now 41-0.

Kansas has never lost at home on Big Monday since the 63-year-old Self started calling the shots in 2003.

The last time the Jayhawks were defeated at Allen Fieldhouse on the said day was in 2001 against Iowa State.

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Tre White led the charge for Kansas against Houston, scoring 23 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range. Darryn Peterson added 14 points and four rebounds, while Bryson Tiller had 11 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks.

The Jayhawks, who are 3-2 in their last five games, held the Cougars to just 32% shooting from the field, including 5-of-24 from long distance. They led by as much as 20 points.

While their campaign has been swell, Self has navigated the issues surrounding Peterson's availability. The potential No. 1 overall pick in the NBA has missed games due to injuries and has suffered cramps several times.

Self acknowledged that Peterson's health has been a concern, especially heading into the NCAA Tournament.

Kansas will have another big test on Saturday against No. 2 Arizona.