Houston’s Freshman Firepower, Sharp Shooting Sink TCU in Second-Half Surge
For 30 minutes Wednesday night, TCU looked like a team ready to make a statement. But when the final horn sounded at Schollmaier Arena, it was No. 10 Houston walking away with a 79-70 win-and a reminder of why they’re one of the most complete teams in college basketball.
The Horned Frogs (13-8, 3-5 Big 12) clawed back from a 15-point second-half deficit to pull within two with just under nine minutes to go. The energy in the building was electric, the momentum was shifting, and it felt like TCU might be on the verge of a signature upset. But that’s when Houston flipped the switch-and leaned on a freshman who’s quickly proving he’s built for the big moments.
Kingston Flemings: Built for the Bright Lights
It’s rare for a freshman to take over a game in crunch time, especially on the road, but Kingston Flemings isn’t your typical freshman. The dynamic point guard, fresh off a 42-point explosion against Texas Tech, showed poise and aggression when it mattered most. With the game hanging in the balance, Flemings attacked downhill, drew contact, and calmly knocked down six straight free throws to spark an 8-0 Houston run.
Suddenly, a 56-54 nail-biter became a 64-54 Cougar cushion. And while TCU kept swinging, they never quite recovered.
Flemings finished with 25 points-15 of them coming in the second half-and each one seemed to come at a critical juncture. Twice, TCU cut the deficit to just two points.
Twice, Flemings answered with buckets that stopped the bleeding. Whether it was a smooth pull-up jumper or a crafty finish through contact, the freshman’s shot-making was as timely as it was impressive.
Sharp’s Shooting, TCU’s Defensive Gamble
While Flemings closed the game, it was senior guard Emanuel Sharp who set the tone early. TCU’s defensive game plan was clear: trap Houston’s bigs and ball-handlers in the half court, force the Cougars into rushed decisions, and try to generate some chaos. But that strategy came with a cost.
By sending extra defenders at the ball, TCU left shooters like Sharp with just enough space to operate-and he made them pay. Sharp knocked down multiple threes in the first half and strung together a personal 8-2 run that helped Houston push its lead to 30-26 after a TCU rally.
Even after picking up his fourth foul early in the second half and sitting for over five minutes, Sharp returned and immediately made his presence felt. He converted a three-point play to stretch Houston’s lead to 72-61 with just over two minutes remaining, effectively sealing the win. He fouled out with 23 points, but by then, the damage was done.
Punch, Edmonds Keep TCU in the Fight
There were bright spots for the Horned Frogs, particularly in the frontcourt. Sophomore forward David Punch returned from illness and looked sharp from the jump, scoring 11 first-half points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting start. He showcased a versatile offensive game, mixing in mid-range jumpers with aggressive drives, and even buried a rare three to keep TCU within striking distance.
In the second half, as Houston keyed in on Punch, it was Xavier Edmonds who picked up the slack. The big man continued his strong Big 12 play, finishing with a team-high 18 points and battling Houston’s physical front line with toughness and poise. Between Punch (14 points) and Edmonds, TCU had the interior presence to match Houston’s physicality.
But where the Frogs fell short was in the backcourt. TCU’s guards struggled to generate consistent offense, and against a team as disciplined and talented as Houston, that margin for error was too thin.
Cenac’s Presence, Flemings’ Poise
Houston’s freshman duo of Flemings and Chris Cenac continues to look like a cornerstone for the program’s future-and a major headache for the rest of the Big 12.
Cenac, a 6-foot-11 five-star talent, didn’t light up the scoreboard, but his impact was felt on nearly every possession. He pulled down 14 rebounds-10 of them in the first half-and served as a rim deterrent that altered TCU’s shot selection all night. He finished with eight points, but his defensive presence was just as valuable as any bucket.
Flemings, meanwhile, looked every bit the future lottery pick. His ability to control pace, create his own shot, and deliver in pressure moments was the difference in a game that TCU had within reach.
What’s Next for TCU
This one stings for the Horned Frogs. Not just because it ended a two-game winning streak, but because it was a missed opportunity to bolster an NCAA Tournament résumé that’s still teetering on the bubble. With a chance to knock off a top-10 team at home, TCU showed flashes-but couldn’t sustain the energy down the stretch.
Now, they’ll have to regroup quickly. A road trip to Boulder looms on Saturday, and with every game carrying postseason implications, the margin for error is shrinking.
But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that TCU didn’t back down. They fought, they rallied, and they pushed one of the nation’s best teams deep into the second half.
The next step? Finding a way to finish.