Coogs defeat Oklahoma State, 72-63

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POSTED: February 5, 2025 -- 8:25 a.m. CT

HOUSTON, TX -- Fertitta Center

The Houston Cougars defeated the Oklahoma State Cowboys, 72-63, Tuesday night to improve to 10-1 in the Big 12 Conference and 18-4 overall. Houston was without starter Emanuel Sharp and back up big man Ja'Vier Francis due to medical reasons.

"We are 10-1. We are tied for first place. This team is 18-4. I am proud of them," Kelvin Sampson, Houston Head Coach said after the game. "When we get Emanuel and Ja'Vier back we will be okay."

Oklahoma State (11-11, 3-8) led Houston 10-7 at the first media timeout. Houston's offense went cold while Oklahoma State's offense heated up. Houston many good looks at the basket but 10 of 11 did not fall through the net while the Cowboys made 6 of 7 field goals and led 18-9 with 7:44 remaining in the opening half.

Houston trailed 20-12 when forward J'Wan Roberts pulled down an offensive rebound and dunked. Then, Houston forward Terrance Arceneaux scored a floater in the paint. Jamyron Keller scored a driving layup to push the Cowboys' lead to 22-16 with 8:19 on the clock.

Arceneaux scored another driving layup; and, after a steal by Mylik Wilson, LJ Cryer swished a three-pointer at the top of the key to bring Houston within 1 (22-21). Wilson took a 23-22 lead on a layup by Wilson.

Oklahoma State center Abou Ousmane swished a 3-point shot near the top of the key. Ousmane scored 10 first half points to lead the Cowboys. Houston trailed 27-26 when Roberts made 2 free throws to put the Coogs on top for good. Houston extended the lead to 39-30 before Arturo Dean swished a 3 to end the first half.

The Cowboys shot 54.2 fg% (13 for 24) compared to the Coogs' 41.0 fg% (16 for 3) in the first half; but, Houston owned a 13-0 advantage in second chance points.

Houston scored the first 8 points of the second half to lead 47-33. Terrance Arceneaux scored 6 of the 8 points. Houston's largest lead was 52-35; but, Oklahoma State scored 7 straight points to cut Houston's lead to 10. Houston led Oklahoma State 64-53 with 3:12 remaining in the game. The Cowboys refused to go away and made 7 consecutive field goals to climb within 5 (68-63) with 28.3 seconds remaining.

The Coogs closed out the game with 4 for 4 free throw shooting. Houston outscored Oklahoma State 16-0 in second chance points and outrebounded the Cowboys 40-24.

LJ Cryer scored a game-high 18 points. Milos Uzan added 17 points and 5 assists. J'Wan Roberts had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Terrance Arceneaux scored 10 points and added 5 rebounds and a career-high 6 assists.

"Being able to find a way to win this game against a team that is as well-coached as the team," Coach Sampson said of Oklahoma State. "That plays as hard, as athletic—playing good, they are coming off a great win against Utah on Saturday.

"They don't have a lot to show for it but they have really really improved and you can tell tonight. They played good, and that is a credit to their kids and their program. That coaching staff has done an awesome job with that team."

Next: Houston's next game is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, at Colorado. Tip is set for 3 pm CT on ESPN+.

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