In a competitive matchup on Saturday night, the No. 8 Houston Cougars triumphed over No. 16 BYU with a final score of 77-66, aided by a strong second half performance from Kingston Flemings, who scored 11 of his 19 points during that period. Houston’s victory marks their fourth consecutive win as they remain just one game behind No. 1 Arizona in the Big 12 standings.
The Cougars showcased a balanced offensive attack, with Chris Cenac, Jr. contributing 16 points and Emanuel Sharp adding 14 points. Houston’s effective shooting, which included a 50% success rate from the field in the second half, played a crucial role in their victory.
BYU struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, particularly from the foul line, finishing the game with a disappointing 16 of 28 performance on free throws. AJ Dybantsa led the Cougars with 28 points, while Rob Wright III added 17, but it was not enough to halt their fourth straight loss.
Early in the game, Houston utilized strong interior defense and efficient offense to establish a double-digit lead before halftime. After BYU pulled within one point following back-to-back three-pointers from Richie Saunders and Wright, Houston quickly responded with a 9-0 run, with Flemings playing a pivotal role by bookending the scoring spurt with two baskets.
Despite BYU’s efforts to close the gap, including a notable 14-4 run that briefly gave them a 51-48 lead early in the second half, Houston regained control. A pivotal 14-5 run late in the game, spearheaded by Flemings with four key baskets, secured Houston’s victory, demonstrating their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Looking ahead, Houston is set to face Utah on Tuesday, while BYU will take on Baylor the same day. As the season progresses, both teams will look to refine their strategies and secure vital wins in their respective conferences.