University of Houston Athletics
Saturday, January 4
Houston, Texas
1 p.m.
University of Houston
vs
BYU
PREVIEW: #14/14 Men’s Basketball Hosts BYU on Saturday
1/2/2025 2:51:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Preview – Coach Kelvin Sampson (YouTube)Digital Game ProgramWatch (ESPN+)Listen (950 AM KPRC)Listen (Varsity Network app)Live Stats (StatBroadcast)Houston Game Notes (PDF)BYU Game Notes (Jan. 4, 2025)Big 12 Men's Notes (Jan. 4, 2025)
Cougars tip off at 1 p.m., Saturday, inside Fertitta Center in Red Out game
HOUSTON – Winners of its last five and six of its last seven games, the #14/14 University of Houston Men's Basketball program opens its Big 12 Conference home schedule when it plays host to BYU at 1 p.m., Saturday, inside Fertitta Center in a game presented by Bud Light.
The Cougars (9-3 • 1-0 Big 12) enter this weekend's game following a 60-47 win at Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., on Monday, in the conference opener for both schools.
Graduate forward J'Wan Roberts led all players with 20 points and 11 rebounds for his and the team's first double-double of the season. Graduate guard LJ Cryer added 18 points, thanks to four 3-pointers, and has scored 17+ points in five of the Cougars' last six games.
This season, Cryer and junior guard Emanuel Sharp rank among the Big 12's scoring leaders with 15.1 and 13.7 points per game, respectively.
That duo also stands among the league's Top-10 leaders in both 3-point field goals per game (Cryer, 2.9, t-4th; Sharp 2.5, t-10th)and 3-point field goal percentage (Sharp 47.6, 3rd; Cryer 42.2, 6th). Houston joins Utah as the only schools with two Top-10 leaders in both categories.
Junior point guard Milos Uzan is second in the Big 12 with a 3.53 assist-turnover ratio while sophomore forward Joseph Tugler is third with 2.5 blocked shots per contest.
Saturday's game will be a busy day in Fertitta Center as Houston Women's Basketball faces Arizona State at 6 p.m.
PROMOTIONS
• Saturday's game is presented by Bud Light.
• Saturday's game will be a RED OUT in Fertitta Center with all fans encouraged to wear red.
• The first 1,000 fans in attendance at Saturday's game will receive a FREE #ForTheCity red T-shirt presented by UHAA Life Member.
• Prior to the game, Houston Swimming and Diving junior Jenna Kerkman will sing the national anthem.
• At halftime, fans will want to stay near the Fertitta Center court to watch our Second Annual Season-Ticket Holder Baby Race.
HOME SWEET HOME
• Houston has won its last 29 games inside Fertitta Center for the nation's longest active home winning streak.
• The Cougars have posted a 100-6 record in their home facility since the Fertitta Center opened on Dec. 1, 2018.
• Houston has won its last 14 and 21 of its last 22 conference home games inside Fertitta Center. Only a 56-55 loss to Temple on Jan. 22, 2023, prevents a longer winning streak.
CONFERENCE OPENER HISTORY
• With its 60-47 win over Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., on Monday, Houston improved to 40-25 during its conference opener history.
• The Cougars have won their last 10 conference openers and 17 of their last 18. Only a 73-54 loss at Memphis on Dec. 31, 2014, prevents a longer Houston winning streak.
in Conference Home Openers: Houston is 42-22 in conference home openers during its history.
• This includes a 1-0 mark in the Big 12 Conference, a 9-1 mark in the American Athletic Conference, a 9-8 record in Conference USA, a 15-6 mark in the Southwest Conference, a 6-4 record in the Missouri Valley Conference, a 1-0 mark in the Gulf Coast Conference and a 1-3 record in the Lone Star Conference.
• The Cougars have won their last nine and 13 of their last 14 conference home openers. Only a 79-78 loss in overtime to Tulsa in Hofheinz Pavilion on Jan, 6, 2015, prevents a longer winning streak.
• In its most recent conference home opener, Houston took an 89-55 win over West Virginia inside Fertitta Center in its inaugural Big 12 Conference game on Jan. 6, 2024.
NATIONAL POLLS
• The Cougars stood at #14 in both the Associated Press and USA TODAY Sports Coaches polls released Monday.
• This marked the 94th consecutive week in which Houston was ranked, the nation's longest active streak and extending its school record.
• Houston is 22-8 when playing as the #14 (AP) team during its history and has won nine of its last 10 games as the #14 (AP) team. Only a 75-61 loss at Memphis on March 6, 2022, prevents a longer winnings streak.
TUNE IN
• Fans can watch Saturday's game on ESPN+ with Jay Alter (play-by-play) and Reid Gettys (analyst) calling.
• Fans can hear Saturday's game on 950 AM KPRC and the Varsity Network app with Jeremy Branham (play-by-play) and Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes calling. The pregame show begins at 12:45 p.m., Saturday.
• Fans can follow live stats from Saturdays game by visiting StatBroadcast.com and following the appropriate links or by clicking here.
ABOUT BYU
• BYU brings a 10-2 overall record and 1-0 mark in Big 12 Conference play into Saturday's game inside Fertitta Center.
• BYU is 0-1 in road games and 2-2 in non-home games during the 2024-25 season.
• BYU has won its last four games and five of its last six entering Saturday's contest. Only an 83-64 loss at Providence on Dec. 3, 2024, prevents a longer streak.
• In its most recent action, BYU opened its Big 12 schedule with a 76-56 win over Arizona State in Provo, Utah, on Saturday afternoon.
• Against Arizona State, junior forward Richie Saunders led all players with 30 points on 11-of-18 shooting and grabbed six rebounds with an assist and steal. Freshman forward Kanon Catchings totaled 11 points while junior center Keba Keita added nine points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Freshman guard Egor Demin led all players with seven assists and added four rebounds and a pair of steals.
• This season, Saunders leads BYU with 13.9 points per game. He is one of five Cougars averaging double-digit points. Demin stands second on the team with 12.2 points per game but leads BYU with 5.9 assists per contest. Catchings is third on the team with 11.2 points per game. Senior center Fousseyni Traore averages 10.6 points per game and is second on the team with 6.7 rebounds per game. Graduate guard Trevin Knell averages 10.3 points per game while Keita leads BYU with 9.1 rebounds per contest.
• Head Coach Kevin Young is in his first season at BYU and as a collegiate head coach.
• Young has built a 10-2 record during his career.
• Monday's game will be the first time Young has faced Houston.
• Monday's game will be the first time that Young has faced Houston Head Coach Kelvin Sampson during their careers.
• 2004 graduate of Clayton State.
SERIES HISTORY vs. BYU
• Houston owns a 6-3 lead against BYU in the series, which began during the 1965-66 season.
• Saturday's game will be the lone regular-season meeting against BYU during the 2024-25 season.
• Houston won the most recent meeting and has won four of the last five games. Only a 72-71 BYU win in Fertitta Center on Nov. 15, 2019, prevents a longer streak.
• In the most recent meeting, Houston took a 75-68 win inside the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, on Jan, 23, 2024.
• In the first meeting against BYU, BYU took a 111-82 win in Provo, Utah, on Dec. 4, 1965.
at Home: Houston owns a 2-1 record against BYU in home games played in Houston during the series history.
• In the most recent home encounter, BYU took a 72-71 win inside Fertitta Center on Nov. 15, 2019.
• In the first home meeting, Houston claimed a 102-69 win in Houston on Dec. 16, 1967.
in Fertitta Center: BYU owns a 1-0 lead against Houston inside Fertitta Center during the series history.
• In the lone previous meeting, BYU took a 72-71 win in Houston on Nov. 15, 2019.
• BYU is one of only six schools to defeat Houston inside Fertitta Center since the facility opened on Dec. 1, 2018.
UP NEXT
• Following Saturday's game, Houston continue its conference homestand as it plays host TCU at 8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 6, inside Fertitta Center.
• That game will air on ESPN2.
• From there, the Cougars hit the road to face Kansas State at 5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, inside Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kan.
• That game can be seen on ESPN+.
• Houston returns to Fertitta Center to face rv/rv West Virginia at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 15.
• That game will air on ESPN+.
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC and the Varsity Network app.
BUY 2024-25 TICKETS
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.
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.
The Cougars (9-3 • 1-0 Big 12) enter this weekend's game following a 60-47 win at Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., on Monday, in the conference opener for both schools.
Graduate forward J'Wan Roberts led all players with 20 points and 11 rebounds for his and the team's first double-double of the season. Graduate guard LJ Cryer added 18 points, thanks to four 3-pointers, and has scored 17+ points in five of the Cougars' last six games.
This season, Cryer and junior guard Emanuel Sharp rank among the Big 12's scoring leaders with 15.1 and 13.7 points per game, respectively.
That duo also stands among the league's Top-10 leaders in both 3-point field goals per game (Cryer, 2.9, t-4th; Sharp 2.5, t-10th)and 3-point field goal percentage (Sharp 47.6, 3rd; Cryer 42.2, 6th). Houston joins Utah as the only schools with two Top-10 leaders in both categories.
Junior point guard Milos Uzan is second in the Big 12 with a 3.53 assist-turnover ratio while sophomore forward Joseph Tugler is third with 2.5 blocked shots per contest.
Saturday's game will be a busy day in Fertitta Center as Houston Women's Basketball faces Arizona State at 6 p.m.
PROMOTIONS
• Saturday's game is presented by Bud Light.
• Saturday's game will be a RED OUT in Fertitta Center with all fans encouraged to wear red.
• The first 1,000 fans in attendance at Saturday's game will receive a FREE #ForTheCity red T-shirt presented by UHAA Life Member.
• Prior to the game, Houston Swimming and Diving junior Jenna Kerkman will sing the national anthem.
• At halftime, fans will want to stay near the Fertitta Center court to watch our Second Annual Season-Ticket Holder Baby Race.
HOME SWEET HOME
• Houston has won its last 29 games inside Fertitta Center for the nation's longest active home winning streak.
• The Cougars have posted a 100-6 record in their home facility since the Fertitta Center opened on Dec. 1, 2018.
• Houston has won its last 14 and 21 of its last 22 conference home games inside Fertitta Center. Only a 56-55 loss to Temple on Jan. 22, 2023, prevents a longer winning streak.
CONFERENCE OPENER HISTORY
• With its 60-47 win over Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., on Monday, Houston improved to 40-25 during its conference opener history.
• The Cougars have won their last 10 conference openers and 17 of their last 18. Only a 73-54 loss at Memphis on Dec. 31, 2014, prevents a longer Houston winning streak.
in Conference Home Openers: Houston is 42-22 in conference home openers during its history.
• This includes a 1-0 mark in the Big 12 Conference, a 9-1 mark in the American Athletic Conference, a 9-8 record in Conference USA, a 15-6 mark in the Southwest Conference, a 6-4 record in the Missouri Valley Conference, a 1-0 mark in the Gulf Coast Conference and a 1-3 record in the Lone Star Conference.
• The Cougars have won their last nine and 13 of their last 14 conference home openers. Only a 79-78 loss in overtime to Tulsa in Hofheinz Pavilion on Jan, 6, 2015, prevents a longer winning streak.
• In its most recent conference home opener, Houston took an 89-55 win over West Virginia inside Fertitta Center in its inaugural Big 12 Conference game on Jan. 6, 2024.
NATIONAL POLLS
• The Cougars stood at #14 in both the Associated Press and USA TODAY Sports Coaches polls released Monday.
• This marked the 94th consecutive week in which Houston was ranked, the nation's longest active streak and extending its school record.
• Houston is 22-8 when playing as the #14 (AP) team during its history and has won nine of its last 10 games as the #14 (AP) team. Only a 75-61 loss at Memphis on March 6, 2022, prevents a longer winnings streak.
TUNE IN
• Fans can watch Saturday's game on ESPN+ with Jay Alter (play-by-play) and Reid Gettys (analyst) calling.
• Fans can hear Saturday's game on 950 AM KPRC and the Varsity Network app with Jeremy Branham (play-by-play) and Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes calling. The pregame show begins at 12:45 p.m., Saturday.
• Fans can follow live stats from Saturdays game by visiting StatBroadcast.com and following the appropriate links or by clicking here.
ABOUT BYU
• BYU brings a 10-2 overall record and 1-0 mark in Big 12 Conference play into Saturday's game inside Fertitta Center.
• BYU is 0-1 in road games and 2-2 in non-home games during the 2024-25 season.
• BYU has won its last four games and five of its last six entering Saturday's contest. Only an 83-64 loss at Providence on Dec. 3, 2024, prevents a longer streak.
• In its most recent action, BYU opened its Big 12 schedule with a 76-56 win over Arizona State in Provo, Utah, on Saturday afternoon.
• Against Arizona State, junior forward Richie Saunders led all players with 30 points on 11-of-18 shooting and grabbed six rebounds with an assist and steal. Freshman forward Kanon Catchings totaled 11 points while junior center Keba Keita added nine points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Freshman guard Egor Demin led all players with seven assists and added four rebounds and a pair of steals.
• This season, Saunders leads BYU with 13.9 points per game. He is one of five Cougars averaging double-digit points. Demin stands second on the team with 12.2 points per game but leads BYU with 5.9 assists per contest. Catchings is third on the team with 11.2 points per game. Senior center Fousseyni Traore averages 10.6 points per game and is second on the team with 6.7 rebounds per game. Graduate guard Trevin Knell averages 10.3 points per game while Keita leads BYU with 9.1 rebounds per contest.
• Head Coach Kevin Young is in his first season at BYU and as a collegiate head coach.
• Young has built a 10-2 record during his career.
• Monday's game will be the first time Young has faced Houston.
• Monday's game will be the first time that Young has faced Houston Head Coach Kelvin Sampson during their careers.
• 2004 graduate of Clayton State.
SERIES HISTORY vs. BYU
• Houston owns a 6-3 lead against BYU in the series, which began during the 1965-66 season.
• Saturday's game will be the lone regular-season meeting against BYU during the 2024-25 season.
• Houston won the most recent meeting and has won four of the last five games. Only a 72-71 BYU win in Fertitta Center on Nov. 15, 2019, prevents a longer streak.
• In the most recent meeting, Houston took a 75-68 win inside the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, on Jan, 23, 2024.
• In the first meeting against BYU, BYU took a 111-82 win in Provo, Utah, on Dec. 4, 1965.
at Home: Houston owns a 2-1 record against BYU in home games played in Houston during the series history.
• In the most recent home encounter, BYU took a 72-71 win inside Fertitta Center on Nov. 15, 2019.
• In the first home meeting, Houston claimed a 102-69 win in Houston on Dec. 16, 1967.
in Fertitta Center: BYU owns a 1-0 lead against Houston inside Fertitta Center during the series history.
• In the lone previous meeting, BYU took a 72-71 win in Houston on Nov. 15, 2019.
• BYU is one of only six schools to defeat Houston inside Fertitta Center since the facility opened on Dec. 1, 2018.
UP NEXT
• Following Saturday's game, Houston continue its conference homestand as it plays host TCU at 8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 6, inside Fertitta Center.
• That game will air on ESPN2.
• From there, the Cougars hit the road to face Kansas State at 5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, inside Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kan.
• That game can be seen on ESPN+.
• Houston returns to Fertitta Center to face rv/rv West Virginia at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 15.
• That game will air on ESPN+.
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC and the Varsity Network app.
BUY 2024-25 TICKETS
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.
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 –
Players Mentioned
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