2nd-ranked Houston holds off Kent State, 49-44

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POSTED: November 26, 2022 -- 7:06 p.m. CT

POSTED: November 26, 2022 -- 4:39 p.m. CT

HOUSTON, TX -- (Fertitta Center)

The 2nd-ranked Houston Cougars did just enough to defeat a gritty Kent State Golden Flashes team 49-44 Saturday afternoon. Houston trailed 44-43 with 1:05 left in the ball game.

Houston's Jamal Shead banked in a floater with 48 seconds remaining; then, Houston freshman Jarace Walker blocked Kent State guard Sincere Carry's layup with 28 seconds on the game clock.

Marcus Sasser grabbed the rebound and was fouled. Sasser went to the line for 1-and-1 and made both free throws for a 47-44 Houston lead.

Kent State did not have a timeout; however, the Golden Flashes got a wide open 3-point shot for guard Giovanni Santiago. Santiago missed the 3; but, Miryne Thomas pulled down the offensive rebound and passed the ball out to Carry. Sincere Carry missed a contested three-pointer. Marcus Sasser grabbed the miss and was fouled. Sasser went back to the foul line and both free throws for a 49-44 Houston lead.

Sincere Carry missed the final shot of the game to seal the hard fought win for Houston.

Kent State's defensive pressure helped force Houston into a season-high 23 turnovers. The Golden Flashes outscored Houston 18-10 in points off turnovers.

Neither team shot the ball well from the floor in the game: Houston made 16 of 50 field goal attempts while Kent State made 15 of 63 attempts. Houston outrebounded Kent State 56-33 in the ball game.

Houston made just 2 three-pointers (out of 17 attempts) in the game. Marcus Sasser was 1 for 10 from three. Tramon Mark made the other 3 pointer. Mark and Sasser's three-point baskets came on consecutive possessions and tied the game at 30.

Houston trailed 30-24 before going on a 15-0 run to lead 39-30; but, Kent State answered with an 8-0 run.

The game was tied at 41 when Sasser made a short jumper; but, Malique Jacobs hit a 3 to put Kent State on top 44-43.

Marcus Sasser scored a game-high 19 points. Sasser made 5 of 16 from the floor and 8 for 8 from the foul line. J'Wan Roberts scored 11 and grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds.

With today's win Houston improves to 6-0 and has a chance to move to the number 1 spot in the AP and Coaches Polls in a few days.

NEXT: The Coogs next game is Tuesday, November 29, vs Norfolk State. Tip is set for 7 p.m. CT on ESPN+.

Byron L. Riley, CPA; 832-303-3995; Do you need tax help? IRS Tax help available- Free Consult

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