Houston Handles Kansas State Behind Emanuel Sharp’s Big Night, Extends Win Streak to Six
The Houston Cougars are rolling-and Saturday night was another reminder why they’re one of the most complete teams in college basketball. Behind a strong 23-point performance from senior guard Emanuel Sharp, No.
3 Houston took care of business at home, pulling away from Kansas State for a 78-64 win. That’s now six straight victories for the Cougars, who continue to look every bit the Big 12 powerhouse they were projected to be.
Early on, though, it didn’t look like a runaway. Kansas State came out swinging, jumping out to a 15-6 lead nearly nine minutes into the game.
P.J. Haggerty, the Wildcats’ go-to scorer, was in rhythm early and knocked down a three to cap that run.
But then Houston flipped the switch-and when they do that, it’s lights out for most teams.
The Cougars closed the first half on a blistering 27-4 run, completely flipping the momentum. Sharp was a catalyst during that stretch, pouring in nine of his 14 first-half points while Milos Uzan chipped in seven more. It was a defensive clinic as well-Houston held Kansas State to just 1-of-15 shooting to close the half and took a commanding 33-19 lead into the locker room.
From there, the Cougars never looked back.
Sharp finished the game with 23 points and six rebounds, continuing to show the kind of veteran leadership and shot-making that has fueled Houston all season. Uzan added 12 points and eight assists, orchestrating the offense with poise and precision. Freshman Kingston Flemings also made his presence felt, dropping 12 points and grabbing seven rebounds in a well-rounded effort.
With the win, Houston improves to 23-2 overall and 11-1 in Big 12 play. They’ve now won 18 straight games at home-a streak that speaks to both their consistency and the energy they feed off inside Fertitta Center.
Kansas State, meanwhile, continues to search for answers. The Wildcats have now lost six straight games overall and remain winless on the road in conference play.
Haggerty was a bright spot, scoring 23 points and hitting a major milestone by surpassing 2,000 career points-a rare feat that places him among just five active Division I players to reach that mark. Nate Johnson added a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Taj Manning chipped in 10 points.
But the shooting woes were too much to overcome. Kansas State finished just 35% from the field and 8-of-26 from beyond the arc.
That, combined with Houston’s smothering defense and balanced scoring attack, made the gap too wide to close. The Wildcats never got within 10 in the second half.
Houston’s defense once again made the difference. They turned up the pressure when it mattered most, forcing tough looks and controlling the glass. That ability to shift gears and take over games-especially defensively-is what makes this Cougars team so dangerous.
Up next, the schedule doesn’t get any easier for Houston. A road matchup with top-5 Iowa State looms on Monday, followed by a home showdown with No.
1 Arizona and a trip to Allen Fieldhouse to face Kansas. It’s a gauntlet, no doubt-but if Saturday’s performance is any indication, the Cougars are more than ready for the challenge.
This team has the look of a group that’s not just trying to win the Big 12-they’re aiming for something bigger. And with Sharp leading the charge, Houston is showing they have the firepower, depth, and defensive grit to make a serious run this March.