University of Houston Athletics
Sunday, November 16
Legacy Arena at the BJCC – Birmingham, Ala.
2 p.m.
University of Houston
4-0,0-0Big 12
73
vs
72
Auburn
3-1,0-0SEC
1
2
F
Houston
39
34
73
Auburn
35
37
72
Photo by: USA Today Sports Images
#1/2 Men's Basketball Outlasts #22/25 Auburn in Battleground 2k25
11/15/2025 7:08:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Freshman guard Kingston Flemings and freshman forward Chris Cenac post career-high points
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) – Freshman guard Kingston Flemings scored 22 points, freshman forward Chris Cenac Jr. had 18 points and nine rebounds, and the top-ranked University of Houston Men's Basketball team held on for a 73-72 victory over No. 22 Auburn on Sunday afternoon at the RxBenefits Battleground 2k25 inside Legacy Arena in the BJCC.
In a matchup of Final Four teams from last season, the Cougars (4-0) led throughout the second half, building multiple eight-point margins. Auburn (3-1) rallied behind a raucous neutral-site home crowd and had two chances to take the lead on the final possession. Two driving attempts by Tahaad Pettiford were nixed by Houston's defense, including a block by Flemings. Auburn's out-of-bounds lob play with 1 second left was batted away at the rim.
Keyshawn Hall led the Tigers with 20 points and 11 rebounds - his third consecutive double-double - though he made only 6 of 16 shots. He wasn't around for the climactic possession. He injured his right foot after being fouled with 4:14 left. He sank two free throws before hobbling to the bench.
Pettiford scored 15 points on 5-of-14 shooting, while Auburn's Kevin Overton scored 13 points.
Senior guard Emanuel Sharp added 13 points and senior guard Milos Uzan scored 11.
The Tigers held a massive edge in free-throw attempts, but didn't fully capitalize, making 21 of 33 to the Cougars' 10 of 12.
After scoring 90-plus points in their first three wins over mid-major competition, the Tigers found themselves suffocated by Houston's gritty defense. They shot 39% compared with 43% by the Cougars.
Flemings poured in 18 first-half points, including a late 3 that put Houston up 39-35 heading into the locker room.
He didn't score again until 5:54 remained in the game, making a driving layup that gave the Cougars a 66-62 cushion.
BUY TICKETS
Single-game home tickets for all games inside Fertitta Center are now on sale, and fans are encouraged to purchase quickly while supplies last. The two-time defending Big 12 Conference Champions, Houston will play host to 16 home games inside Fertitta Center with seven in non-conference play and nine in Big 12 action in 2025-26.
Fans interested in purchasing group tickets may complete this form to be contacted by a member of the Houston Athletics Tickets Sales staff.
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.
UP NEXT
• Following Sunday's game, Houston returns to Fertitta Center to play host to Rider at 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20.
• That game will air on TNT.
• Houston then heads to Las Vegas to compete at the Players Era Championship on Nov. 24-26.
• The Cougars open the prestigious event at 5 p.m. (CST), Nov. 24, against Syracuse before facing #18/17 Tennessee at 5 p.m. (CST), Nov. 25.
• Houston's final Players Era Championship opponent will be determined by results from the first two days.
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC, the Varsity Network app and Sirius XM Radio.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities 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 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.
In a matchup of Final Four teams from last season, the Cougars (4-0) led throughout the second half, building multiple eight-point margins. Auburn (3-1) rallied behind a raucous neutral-site home crowd and had two chances to take the lead on the final possession. Two driving attempts by Tahaad Pettiford were nixed by Houston's defense, including a block by Flemings. Auburn's out-of-bounds lob play with 1 second left was batted away at the rim.
Keyshawn Hall led the Tigers with 20 points and 11 rebounds - his third consecutive double-double - though he made only 6 of 16 shots. He wasn't around for the climactic possession. He injured his right foot after being fouled with 4:14 left. He sank two free throws before hobbling to the bench.
Pettiford scored 15 points on 5-of-14 shooting, while Auburn's Kevin Overton scored 13 points.
Senior guard Emanuel Sharp added 13 points and senior guard Milos Uzan scored 11.
The Tigers held a massive edge in free-throw attempts, but didn't fully capitalize, making 21 of 33 to the Cougars' 10 of 12.
After scoring 90-plus points in their first three wins over mid-major competition, the Tigers found themselves suffocated by Houston's gritty defense. They shot 39% compared with 43% by the Cougars.
Flemings poured in 18 first-half points, including a late 3 that put Houston up 39-35 heading into the locker room.
He didn't score again until 5:54 remained in the game, making a driving layup that gave the Cougars a 66-62 cushion.
BUY TICKETS
Single-game home tickets for all games inside Fertitta Center are now on sale, and fans are encouraged to purchase quickly while supplies last. The two-time defending Big 12 Conference Champions, Houston will play host to 16 home games inside Fertitta Center with seven in non-conference play and nine in Big 12 action in 2025-26.
Fans interested in purchasing group tickets may complete this form to be contacted by a member of the Houston Athletics Tickets Sales staff.
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.
UP NEXT
• Following Sunday's game, Houston returns to Fertitta Center to play host to Rider at 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20.
• That game will air on TNT.
• Houston then heads to Las Vegas to compete at the Players Era Championship on Nov. 24-26.
• The Cougars open the prestigious event at 5 p.m. (CST), Nov. 24, against Syracuse before facing #18/17 Tennessee at 5 p.m. (CST), Nov. 25.
• Houston's final Players Era Championship opponent will be determined by results from the first two days.
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC, the Varsity Network app and Sirius XM Radio.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities 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 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
UH
AU
FG%
.431
.379
3FG%
.292
.318
FT%
.833
.636
RB
40
38
TO
10
8
STL
7
5
Game Leaders
Pts
22
FGM
8
3FGM
1
FTM
5
Pts
18
FGM
8
3FGM
2
FTM
0
Pts
13
FGM
5
3FGM
2
FTM
1
Pts
11
FGM
4
3FGM
1
FTM
2
Players Mentioned
F/C
/ Men's BasketballG
/ Men's BasketballG
/ Men's BasketballG
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