#3 Men’s Basketball Denies Temple Second Upset; Beats Owls 81-65

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – University of Houston freshman forward Jarace Walker scored 23 points, senior guard Marcus Sasser had 13 and No. 3 Houston earned retribution against Temple with an 81-65 win on Sunday night.

The Owls failed in their bid for a second upset after they toppled the Cougars from No. 1 in the AP men's college basketball poll with a 56-55 win last month in Houston.

The Cougars (22-2, 10-1 American Athletic Conference) are now poised to regain the top spot in the AP poll after a dominant second half in Philly. No. 1 Purdue lost to Indiana and No. 2 Tennessee lost to Florida, leaving an opening for Houston to ascend to No. 1 on Monday.

Khalif Battle led Temple (14-10, 8-3) with 24 points.

Temple has traditionally struggled to draw a full house at Liacouras Center, even for games that included city rivals or Top 25 teams or in seasons full of NCAA Tournament promise. The arena was packed Sunday, and Owls students swayed behind the basket from the opening tip. A T-shirt ''white out'' put some needed school spirit on display.

Temple gave fans plenty of reason to cheer with nine 3-pointers in the first half. Battle hit a 3 for a 26-25 lead, Zach Hicks hit one for a three-point lead and Damian Dunn buried one that sent the Owls into halftime ahead 37-33.

Unlike the first game, the Owls couldn't take it to the wire.

Playing the biggest home game in coach Aaron McKie's four seasons, the Owls wilted offensively and didn't have the defensive chops to slow Houston. The Cougars burst the game open with a 13-0 run to open the second half and never let the Owls make a serious run the rest of the way.

Consider, in the first game, Temple did not make a bucket over the final 7:18 and was 5 of 21 from the field in the second half. Yet the offensive woes were offset by holding Houston to 34% shooting.

When Walker hit a 3 for a 56-48 lead Sunday with 8:47 left, it was good enough for one more point than Houston scored in the first game. They had 25 more in them.

BIG PICTURE
Houston: Now has wiggle room in the AAC.

Temple: Losses to Wagner and Maryland Eastern Shore crippled Temple's chances for an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament. A season sweep of Houston could created an opening. The Owls will have to win the AAC tournament for a piece of March Madness.

UP NEXT
• Following Sunday's game, the Cougars face Tulsa at 7 p.m., Wednesday, inside the Fertitta Center in a game played on ESPN+.
•The Cougars took an 89-50 win over the Golden Hurricane in Tulsa, Okla., on Dec. 28, to open the American Athletic Conference season.
• Following a break in their schedule, Houston returns to action to meet SMU at 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, inside Moody Coliseum in Dallas. That game will air on ESPN2.
• The Cougars claimed an 87-53 win inside the Fertitta Center in Houston on Jan. 5.
• Houston meets Memphis for the first time in 2022-23 when it tips off at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 19, inside the Fertitta Center in Houston. That game will air on ESPN.
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC.

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.

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 –

Upcoming Events

Recent Results