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Tuesday, February 27
Houston, Texas
6 p.m.
University of Houston
25-3,12-3Big 12
67
vs
59
Cincinnati
16-12,5-10Big 12
1
2
F
Cincinnati
17
42
59
Houston
26
41
67
Photo by: Joe Buvid
#1/1 Houston Defense Holds Off Bearcat Comeback
2/27/2024 8:35:00 PM | Men's Basketball
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Three Cougars scored double-figure points, Shead nears another double-double
HOUSTON (AP) – Senior guard L.J. Cryer scored 22 points, senior forward J'Wan Roberts added 15 and top-ranked Houston won its sixth straight game by beating Cincinnati 67-59 inside Fertitta Center on Tuesday night.
• Following Tuesday's game, the Cougars open the month of March when it faces rv/rv Oklahoma at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 2, inside Lloyd Noble Arena in Norman, Okla. That game will air on ESPN2.
• The Cougars close their brief road swing when they take on UCF at 6 p.m. (CST), Wednesday, March 6 inside Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Fla. That game will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
• From there, the Cougars close their regular season and celebrate Senior Day when they play host to #9/10 Kansas inside Fertitta Center on Saturday, March 9. That game will air on ESPN.
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC and the Varsity Network app.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by supporting Linking Coogs – UH's NIL collective – and by joining the 50-50 Club, which provides financial support directly to Houston Men's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
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.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on X, formerly known as 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.
One day after ascending to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for the first time this season, the Cougars (25-3, 12-3 Big 12) extended their conference lead to 1 1/2 games over Iowa State.
"We've got a chance," Houston Coach Kelvin Sampson said. "That's all it is - we've got a chance to win the Big 12. That's our goal. We'd like to win the Big 12 because we have a chance."
The Cougars have won 21 consecutive home games, the longest active streak in the nation. Houston also extended its winning streak to 11 straight games against the Bearcats.
Cryer had 15 points in the first half and Houston led 26-17 at the break. He finished 7-of-15 from the field and was 4-for-10 on 3-pointers.
Sophomore guard Emanuel Sharp scored 11, and senior point Jamal Shead had nine points and 11 assists for the Cougars, who shot 39% from the floor and went 18-of-27 at the free-throw line.
"L.J. had a really good night," Shead said. "I tried to find him a lot. My shot's not falling, but I'm not the offense. We have four other guys out there, so just trying to get them involved and be the best I can on defense."
Viktor Lakhin and Simas Lukosius each scored 11 points for Cincinnati (16-12, 5-10), which has lost five of six. The Bearcats shot 40% and went 5 of 19 on 3s. They also committed 19 turnovers.
"I think our guys can really compete against anybody," Cincinnati Coach Wes Miller said. "I believe they can compete with Houston's team. I think they've shown that in the two games (this season), but we've got to get a little better to get over the hump and win the game."
Leading 30-21 early in the second half, Houston went on an 8-0 run capped by consecutive 3s from Sharp with 17 1/2 minutes remaining to open a 17-point lead.
After trailing 59-46 with 2:47 left, Cincinnati used an 8-1 spurt to close within six on a layup by Dan Skillings Jr. with 1:26 to go. Cryer made two free throws with 1:12 remaining, and the Bearcats got no closer than six the rest of the way.
"Win the game," Sampson said. "This is not a funeral. We are 25-3 and 12-3. This time of year, the last thing you do is evaluate."
BIG PICTURE
Cincinnati: The Bearcats dropped to 3-8 in Quad 1 games and 4-6 on the road this season. … The 17 first-half points were a season low for any half.
Houston: The Cougars improved to 14-3 in Quad 1 and 2 games. Houston won its 11th straight over Cincinnati. … It was the 11th time this season the Cougars held an opponent under 20 points in a half.
UP NEXT• Following Tuesday's game, the Cougars open the month of March when it faces rv/rv Oklahoma at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 2, inside Lloyd Noble Arena in Norman, Okla. That game will air on ESPN2.
• The Cougars close their brief road swing when they take on UCF at 6 p.m. (CST), Wednesday, March 6 inside Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Fla. That game will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
• From there, the Cougars close their regular season and celebrate Senior Day when they play host to #9/10 Kansas inside Fertitta Center on Saturday, March 9. That game will air on ESPN.
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC and the Varsity Network app.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by supporting Linking Coogs – UH's NIL collective – and by joining the 50-50 Club, which provides financial support directly to Houston Men's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
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.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on X, formerly known as 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
UC
UH
FG%
.396
.389
3FG%
.263
.350
FT%
.800
.667
RB
42
30
TO
19
10
STL
4
15
Game Leaders
Pts
22
FGM
7
3FGM
4
FTM
4
Pts
15
FGM
4
3FGM
0
FTM
7
Pts
11
FGM
3
3FGM
3
FTM
2
Pts
9
FGM
2
3FGM
0
FTM
5
Players Mentioned
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