Houston Edges Wichita State, 76-74, in Double-Overtime

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POSTED: February 20, 2022 -- 5:35 p.m. CT

WICHITA, KS -- (Charles Koch Arena)

The Houston Cougars men's basketball team held on to defeat the Wichita State Shocker 76-74 in double-overtime in a game that neither team deserved to lose. Players dove on the court for loose balls; made clutch field goal attempts; key free throws; played physical; trash-talked; etc.

"Can't say enough about Wichita State's kids though," Kelvin Sampson, Houston Head Coach said after the game. "One team walked away happy tonight. But, their kids fought their hearts out tonight."

With the win, Houston improves to 22-4 overall and 11-2 in the American Athletic Conference.

With the score tied at 71, Houston freshman Ramon Walker dove on the floor to grab a loose ball; then, while still laying on the court, passed the ball to teammate Kyler Edwards. Edwards tight-roped the baseline and dished to big man Josh Carlton. Carlton scored the layup and was fouled.

After a timeout, Carlton made the free throw to put Houston up 74-71 with 13.0 seconds remaining. Wichita State (13-11, 4-8) did not call timeout. Shockers' guard Craig Porter Jr dribbled up the floor; then, with the clock winding down, Porter swished a step back 3-point shot to tie the game at 74 with 5.4 seconds remaining.

Houston point guard Jamal Shead received the inbounds pass; raced up the court; no one from Wichita State made Shead change direction; Shead continued toward the basket and dished to teammate J'Wan Roberts. Roberts had moved toward the basket while Shead was racing up the court. Roberts caught the pass and dunked the ball for a 76-74 Houston lead with 1.2 seconds remaining.

Porter Jr caught the inbounds pass and launched a 60-foot shot which fell short to preserve Houston's dramatic victory.

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Porter Jr finished the game with 17 points. Houston had no answer for him in the final minutes of regulation nor the 2 overtime sessions.

Josh Carlton finished the game with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Carlton pulled down an offensive rebound in the final seconds of regulation; and, instead, of attacking the basket, he passed the ball to Jamal Shead near halfcourt. Shead's jumper at the end of regulation fell short sending the game into the first OT.

Carlton was aggressive in both overtimes. Carlton scored 13 of his 23 points in the extra 10 minutes. Carlton made 5 of Houston's 8 baskets in overtime -- including a three-point basket (first of his college career) with the shot clock about to expire.

Houston's Fabian White and Taze Moore fouled out of the game; but, Houston found a way to get the victory and remain in first place in the AAC.

"It was a helluva game," Coach Sampson said. "Either team could have won."

Next for Houston is a road game in New Orleans against the Tulane Green Wave (12-11, 9-5). Tip time is scheduled for 7 pm CT on ESPN+.

CLICK HERE for The HRR's write-ups of Coogs' men's hoops games.