Houston’s Freshmen Shine Bright in Provo as Cougars Continue Big 12 Road Dominance
PROVO - The Marriott Center isn’t just a tough place to play - it’s a full-on cauldron. With over 18,000 fans packing the stands and making life miserable for visiting teams, it’s one of the most electric environments in college basketball west of Lubbock. But Houston’s young guns didn’t blink.
Instead, they balled out.
Freshmen Kingston Flemings and Chris Cenac showed poise well beyond their years, combining for 35 points on 15-of-30 shooting, along with 10 rebounds and five assists. Cenac set the tone early, making his presence felt in the first half, while Flemings took the reins in the second, closing out the game with the kind of composure you usually see from upperclassmen.
And they weren’t alone.
Kalifa Sakho might not have filled the stat sheet, but his impact was undeniable. The big man has been steadily improving over the past few weeks, and Saturday night felt like his breakout moment. In the second half, Sakho grabbed four critical rebounds - two of them on the offensive glass that directly led to points - and made a series of hustle plays that helped tilt the game in Houston’s favor.
Earlier in the season, Sakho struggled to find his rhythm. But head coach Kelvin Sampson stuck with him, trusting that the minutes and the film would eventually pay off. That patience is starting to bear fruit - and in February, no less, when teams either take off or fall apart.
With 7:45 left in the second half and Houston clinging to a four-point lead, Sakho checked in after JoJo Tugler picked up his fourth foul. Over the next 5.5 minutes, he was a difference-maker.
He scored three points, secured a few key boards, and kept possessions alive with a couple of timely tip-outs. During that stretch, BYU held the ball for just 1:16 - and Houston extended its lead to seven.
For the folks who watched the game closely, Sakho was the unsung MVP.
Houston’s Road Resume: Simply Unmatched
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the bigger picture here.
In just 2.5 seasons since joining the Big 12, Houston has compiled a staggering 43-5 record in conference play. And when it comes to road games, they’ve been nothing short of dominant.
They’ve lost just once at each of five tough venues:
- United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock (1-1)
- Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence (1-1)
- Hilton Coliseum in Ames (0-1)
- Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth (1-1)
- Fertitta Center in Houston (23-1)
That means Houston has racked up 17 other road wins in the Big 12 - including Saturday’s win in Provo. Against the four former Pac-12 schools, they’re a perfect 3-0 on the road, with a trip to Utah still ahead. Against the other new additions from the American and BYU, they’re 6-0 on the road.
Winning on the road in the Big 12 is no easy feat - it’s the deepest, most competitive league in college basketball. But Houston has made it look routine.
The Culture Is the Constant
The names change, but the results don’t.
Jamal Shead. LJ Cryer.
Mylik Wilson. J’Wan Roberts.
Ja’Vier Francis. JoJo Tugler.
Kingston Flemings. Chris Cenac.
Different players, same outcome.
It’s a testament to the culture Kelvin Sampson has built - one that emphasizes toughness, defense, and execution. Whether it’s a veteran leader or a freshman stepping into the spotlight, Houston continues to find ways to win, especially when the stakes are high and the crowd is hostile.
Saturday night in Provo was another chapter in a story that’s becoming all too familiar: Houston walks into a tough gym, takes the other team’s best shot, and walks out with a win.
And if history is any indication, they’re just getting started.