3rd-ranked Houston rolls over Tulsa with 89-50 road win

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UPDATED: December 28, 2022 -- 10:52 p.m. CT

POSTED: December 28, 2022 -- 10:44 p.m. CT

TULSA, OK -- (Donald W. Reynolds Center)

The 3rd-ranked Houston Cougars opened conference play with a dominant 89-50 road win over the Tulsa Golden Hurricane Wednesday night. Houston improves to 13-1 this season (1-0 in The American). Tulsa is now 4-8, 0-1.

Houston's offense began the game making 2 of 7 field goal attempts; and, Houston's defense gave up 2 dunks to Tulsa which helped Tulsa lead 8-5 at the first media timeout.

After the media timeout, the Coogs went on a 10-0 run to lead 15-8. Four different Coogs scored during the run: Tramon Mark and Emanuel Sharp each made a three-point shot; and, Marcus Sasser knocked down a jumper and Jarace Walker scored a layup.

Houston's offense stayed hot; but, Tulsa stayed close thanks to hot shooting from three-point range including one off-balanced three-pointer that beat the shot clock by Brandon Benson.

The Coogs led 30-24 with 5:40 remaining in the half before Sasser and Mark sank jump shots followed by a running layup by Jamal Shead to increase the Coogs' lead to 36-24 with 3:42 remaining in the half. Houston finished the half with a 7-2 spurt to lead 43-26 at halftime.

After the 2 for 7 start, Houston finished the first half 18 for 31 from the floor including 6 for 15 on three-pointers. Tramon Mark led Houston with 12 first half points. Emanuel Sharp and Jamal Shead both scored 9. Marcus Sasser added 8.

Houston outscored Tulsa 12-2 in the first 4:05 of the second half to increase the lead to 55-28. Tulsa did not get closer than 27 the rest of the ball game.

The 89-50 final score was Houston's largest lead of the ball game.

J'Wan Roberts led Houston with a team-high 15 pts (7/7 fgs) and 9 boards. Tramon Mark and Emanuel Sharp both scored 14. Marcus Sasser added 12 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds.

Nine different Coogs scored in the game. Houston shot 59.0 fg% (36 for 61) in the game. The Coogs finished the game with 16 assists and only 7 turnovers.

Houston outscored Tulsa 24-4 in points off turnovers; 33-14 in bench points; and 40-24 in points in the paint.

Houston scored 1.348 points per possession while Tulsa scored 0.781 points per possession.

NEXT: The Coogs' next game is Saturday, December 31, at home, versus the UCF Golden Knights. Tip is set for 1 p.m. CT on ESPN+.

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