#1 Men's Hoops downs North Florida 76-42

HOUSTON (AP) – The top-ranked Houston Cougars had star Marcus Sasser for just eight minutes Tuesday night before he left with a cut over his eye.

But the Cougars had several young players step up to make up for his loss as they rolled to a 76-42 win over North Florida.

Sophomore forward Ja'Vier Francis scored 14 points and Sasser had 12 points. Freshman forward Jarace Walker added 12 points with 10 rebounds, and fellow freshman Emanuel Sharp scored nine.

''The guy I was most pleased with was Jarace,'' coach Kelvin Sampson said. ''Freshman usually don't play major minutes here ... Jarace has been knocked down this year, but he keeps getting up.''

Sasser, who entered the game averaging 17.5 points, made two 3-pointers early as the Cougars scored the first eight points of the game. He continued his hot start and scored 12 points as Houston (9-0) built a 24-13 lead with about 12 minutes left in the first half. But, he got hit in the face soon after and left the game with the cut above his left eye.

''Marcus was on one of those benders where he was getting ready to get busy,'' Sampson said. ''He was on his way.''

A school spokesman said he received stitches for the cut and was questionable to return. But, he didn't come back with the Cougars holding a huge lead for the rest of the night.

Sampson said Sasser received five stitches, and was OK after the game.

''That was a nasty one,'' Sampson said of the cut. ''It's like boxers when they hit you and open it up right above your eyebrow.''

The Cougars were up by 10 about four minutes after Sasser's injury and then used a 14-0 run, with two 3-pointers by Sharp, to end the half and take a 42-18 lead into the break.

Sharp said hours in the gym practicing has helped improve his shooting.

''I've gotten comfortable,'' he said. ''It makes me that much better of a player.''

The Ospreys missed eight shots and had four turnovers in that span, allowing Houston to pad the lead.

''We locked down,'' Sampson said.

Houston held North Florida (2-6) to 29.2% shooting and forced 10 turnovers before the break.

The Cougars entered the game leading the nation in scoring defense by allowing just 48 points a game and continued their stingy defensive play Tuesday to stay undefeated.

Jarius Hicklen made a 3-pointer for North Florida to start the second half, but the Cougars scored the next eight points to stretch the lead to 50-21 about 14 1/2 minutes to go.

Hicklen led the Ospreys with 12 points, but also had five turnovers as they dropped their second straight game.

Sasser's performance gave him 1,006 points in his career, making him the 50th player in school history to reach 1,000 points. His two 3-pointers Tuesday gave him 200 in his career, making him just the seventh Cougar to reach that mark.

BIG PICTURE

The Cougars had another great defensive performance, but might need to find a way to produce more offensively as they begin to face tougher competition beginning Saturday when they meet No. 8 Alabama.

OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING

Sampson was thrilled that his team had 17 offensive rebounds.

''The big thing ... is we got to 50% of our misses,'' he said. ''Offensive rebounding is very important to us.''

BUY 2022-23 TICKETS

Fans may purchase single-game tickets for the Cougars' 18 regular-season home games inside the Fertitta Center. Supplies are limited, and fans are encouraged to purchase soon before they run out.

To purchase single-game tickets, fans may call the Athletics Ticket Office at 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) during regular business hours or click here any time.

For the third straight season, the Cougars sold out of their season tickets for home games inside the Fertitta Center.

Fans who were unable to purchase season tickets in 2022-23 are invited to join the team's 2023-24 Wait List as the Cougars prepare to enter the Big 12 Conference. To join the 2023-24 season tickets Wait List, fans can click here.

UP NEXT
• Following Tuesday's game, the Cougars continue their homestand when they meet #8/10 Alabama at 2 p.m., Saturday, inside the Fertitta Center. That game will air on ABC in the first matchup between two Top-10 teams in the Fertitta Center.
• From there, the Cougars close out their home swing when they face North Carolina A&T at 7 p.m., Dec. 13, inside the Fertitta Center. That game can be seen on ESPN+.
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC.

SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.

Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.

JOIN the 50-50-CLUB
Fans are invited to join the 50-50 Club to support Houston Men's Basketball. 50-50 Club members help fund program necessities and enhance the experience for our student-athletes.

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.

For more information or to sign up, fans may visit uhcougars.com/5050club or click here. To join the 50-50 Club, fans may call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4687).

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Ja'Vier Francis

Marcus Sasser

Jarace Walker

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Ja'Vier Francis

Marcus Sasser

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Jarace Walker

Players Mentioned

Ja'Vier Francis

Marcus Sasser

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Jarace Walker

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