In a commanding performance at the Big 12 Tournament Semifinals, the University of Houston Men's Basketball team showcased why they’re one of the top teams in the nation. Freshman guard Kingston Flemings lit up the scoreboard with 21 points, while freshman forward Chris Cenac Jr. delivered a powerhouse performance, racking up 17 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. The Cougars, ranked fifth, cruised past the 14th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks with a decisive 69-47 victory at the T-Mobile Center.
The Cougars, now 28-5, demonstrated their defensive prowess, a signature of Head Coach Kelvin Sampson’s strategy, by holding the Jayhawks without a field goal for over 10 minutes. This defensive lockdown paved the way for their upcoming championship clash against second-ranked Arizona, a rematch of last year's tournament where Houston claimed their first Big 12 title with a 72-64 win.
Kansas, entering the game with a 23-10 record, struggled offensively, particularly in the second half. Darryn Peterson was the bright spot for the Jayhawks, leading with 14 points, but the team shot a dismal 24.6% overall. Their shooting woes were evident as they went 6 for 31 from the field in the second half, marking their lowest-scoring game of the season.
Houston's defense was relentless, particularly against Kansas big men Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller, making it tough for them to find any rhythm. The Cougars’ defensive intensity forced the Jayhawks to miss their first 16 shots in the second half, propelling Houston into a 22-2 run that effectively sealed the game. Even when Bidunga finally broke the drought with a dunk, it was too little, too late.
Looking ahead, Houston aims to secure back-to-back Big 12 Tournament titles as they face Arizona on Saturday night. The game promises to be a thrilling showdown, with the winner earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Catch all the action on ESPN at 5 p.m. and support the Cougars as they continue their impressive run. Fans can also tune in to 950 AM KPRC, the Varsity Network app, Sirius XM Radio, and ESPN Radio for live coverage.