Roberts, Sasser score 20, #2 Men's Hoops beats Memphis
2/19/2023 5:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
HOUSTON (AP) – University of Houston redshirt junior J'Wan Roberts had a career-high 20 points and 12 rebounds, and senior guard Marcus Sasser also scored 20 points as No. 2 Houston held off Memphis 72-64 on Sunday.
Junior guard Jamal Shead added 10 points for Houston (25-2, 13-1 American Athletic Conference). The Cougars shot 45% but struggled from deep, going 3 of 17 on 3-pointers.
The Cougars forced 18 turnovers, which they converted into 22 points. Houston has won seven straight games.
Elijah McCadden had 20 points and six rebounds, DeAndre Williams added 18 points and Damaria Franklin scored 10 for Memphis (20-7, 10-4). The Tigers shot 44%, including 6 of 15 on 3-pointers.
Memphis was without leading scorer Kendric Davis, who averages over 21 points per game. Davis went through warm-ups but was out of the lineup with an injury.
After trailing 32-21 at the half, Memphis opened the second half by shooting 5 for 7 and cutting the lead to 38-34 on a 3-pointer by Franklin with 16 minutes remaining, which capped a 6-0 run.
Houston responded with a 9-2 spurt to regain an 11-point lead at 47-36 on a layup by Roberts with 12 minutes remaining.
The Tigers closed within 63-58 with 2:24 remaining on a layup by Williams, but that was as close as Memphis was get as Houston made nine of its last 10 free throws to put away the game.
Houston used a 17-3 run over a five-minute stretch of the first half to open up a 30-16 lead on Sasser's jumper with 3:47 left in the half. Sasser scored seven points in the run.
BIG PICTURE
Memphis: The Tigers fell to 1-2 against ranked opponents this season. . Memphis missed a chance to help its NCAA Tournament resume, falling to 7-6 in Quad 1 and 2 games, including 2-3 in Quad 1 games. . Memphis outrebounded Houston 34-30.
Houston: The Cougars improved to 12-1 in Quad 1 and 2 games. . Houston shot 23 of 26 from the free throw line, including making 13 straight at one point in the second half. . The Cougars held a 38-32 advantage in points in the paint.
BUY 2022-23 TICKETS
Fans may purchase single-game tickets for the Cougars' 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 Sunday's game, the Cougars continue their brief homestand when they play host to Tulane at 8 p.m., Wednesday, inside the Fertitta Center. That game will air on ESPNU.
• From there, the Cougars travel to face East Carolina at 7 p.m. (CST), Saturday, Feb. 25, inside Williams Arena in Greenville, N.C. That game – the only 2022-23 regular-season meeting against the Pirates – can be seen on ESPN2.
• The Cougars then close their regular-season home schedule when they play host to Wichita State at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 2, inside the Fertitta Center. That game will air on ESPN2.
• Prior to the March 2 game, guard Marcus Sasser, forward Reggie Chaney and center Darius Bowser will be honored during Senior Night ceremonies.
• 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).
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.
Junior guard Jamal Shead added 10 points for Houston (25-2, 13-1 American Athletic Conference). The Cougars shot 45% but struggled from deep, going 3 of 17 on 3-pointers.
The Cougars forced 18 turnovers, which they converted into 22 points. Houston has won seven straight games.
Elijah McCadden had 20 points and six rebounds, DeAndre Williams added 18 points and Damaria Franklin scored 10 for Memphis (20-7, 10-4). The Tigers shot 44%, including 6 of 15 on 3-pointers.
Memphis was without leading scorer Kendric Davis, who averages over 21 points per game. Davis went through warm-ups but was out of the lineup with an injury.
After trailing 32-21 at the half, Memphis opened the second half by shooting 5 for 7 and cutting the lead to 38-34 on a 3-pointer by Franklin with 16 minutes remaining, which capped a 6-0 run.
Houston responded with a 9-2 spurt to regain an 11-point lead at 47-36 on a layup by Roberts with 12 minutes remaining.
The Tigers closed within 63-58 with 2:24 remaining on a layup by Williams, but that was as close as Memphis was get as Houston made nine of its last 10 free throws to put away the game.
Houston used a 17-3 run over a five-minute stretch of the first half to open up a 30-16 lead on Sasser's jumper with 3:47 left in the half. Sasser scored seven points in the run.
BIG PICTURE
Memphis: The Tigers fell to 1-2 against ranked opponents this season. . Memphis missed a chance to help its NCAA Tournament resume, falling to 7-6 in Quad 1 and 2 games, including 2-3 in Quad 1 games. . Memphis outrebounded Houston 34-30.
Houston: The Cougars improved to 12-1 in Quad 1 and 2 games. . Houston shot 23 of 26 from the free throw line, including making 13 straight at one point in the second half. . The Cougars held a 38-32 advantage in points in the paint.
BUY 2022-23 TICKETS
Fans may purchase single-game tickets for the Cougars' 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 Sunday's game, the Cougars continue their brief homestand when they play host to Tulane at 8 p.m., Wednesday, inside the Fertitta Center. That game will air on ESPNU.
• From there, the Cougars travel to face East Carolina at 7 p.m. (CST), Saturday, Feb. 25, inside Williams Arena in Greenville, N.C. That game – the only 2022-23 regular-season meeting against the Pirates – can be seen on ESPN2.
• The Cougars then close their regular-season home schedule when they play host to Wichita State at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 2, inside the Fertitta Center. That game will air on ESPN2.
• Prior to the March 2 game, guard Marcus Sasser, forward Reggie Chaney and center Darius Bowser will be honored during Senior Night ceremonies.
• 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).
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.
– UHCougars.com –
Team Stats
Mem
UH
FG%
.442
.451
3FG%
.400
.176
FT%
.632
.885
RB
34
30
TO
18
11
STL
8
13
Game Leaders
Scoring
Players Mentioned
First Team Meeting (June 1, 20250
Sunday, June 01
Coach Kelvin Sampson (May 27, 2025)
Tuesday, May 27
Coach Kelvin Sampson – Contract Extension
Wednesday, May 21
HIGHLIGHTS – Big 12 Championships Final Round (April 24, 2025)
Friday, April 25