Game Summary
In a closely contested game, the No. 8 Houston Cougars came from behind to secure a 77-66 victory over the No. 16 BYU Cougars on Saturday night in Provo, Utah. The win marked Houston’s fourth consecutive triumph as they maintain their pursuit of the top spot in the Big 12 standings, now just one game back of No. 1 Arizona.
Key Performers
Kingston Flemings played a crucial role in the second half, contributing 11 of his total 19 points during this pivotal stretch. He was supported by Chris Cenac, Jr., who added 16 points, and Emanuel Sharp with another 14 points, showcasing Houston’s offensive depth. The team exhibited an effective shooting display, successfully hitting 50% of their shots after the halftime break.
On the opposing side, BYU struggled as they faced their fourth consecutive defeat. AJ Dybantsa was a standout performer for the Cougars, scoring an impressive 28 points, while Rob Wright III added 17 to the scoreboard. Despite getting Houston into foul trouble early in the second half, BYU had a rough night at the charity stripe, making only 16 out of 28 attempts.
Decisive Moments
A significant moment in the game occurred when Flemings led a critical 14-5 surge that put Houston ahead 68-59 with just over three minutes remaining. This run was bolstered by several second-chance points that allowed Houston to pull away from BYU.
Prior to this decisive stretch, the game fluctuated with both teams trading leads. After a 9-0 response from Houston led by Flemings to extend their advantage to 28-18, BYU fought back. Dybantsa initiated a comeback, including a driving layup that ended a 4:44 scoring drought for BYU, helping to narrow Houston’s lead to single digits by halftime.
In the early part of the second half, back-to-back baskets from Wright highlighted a 14-4 run that gave BYU a brief 51-48 lead, showcasing the resolve of the home team. However, it proved insufficient to sustain their momentum as Houston regained control and ultimately sealed the game.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will look to bounce back shortly, with Houston set to face Utah next, while BYU prepares to challenge Baylor on Tuesday.
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