Jamal Shead scores 23 in Houston's 79-63 win over Oklahoma State

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POSTED: February 6, 2024 -- 11:33 p.m. CT

HOUSTON, TX -- Fertitta Center

Jamal Shead scored a game-high 23 points Tuesday night to lead the Houston Cougars to a 79-63 win over the Oklahoma State Cowboys. With the win, Houston improves to 20-3 overall and 7-3 in the Big 12.

"He does whatever it takes to help his team have success," Mike Boynton, Oklahoma State Men's Hoops Head Coach said of Shead after the game.

Oklahoma State (10-13, 2-8) scored the first 2 points of the game and led Houston 7-6 before Houston guard Emanuel Sharp hit a 3-pointer (assist from teammate LJ Cryer).

Sharp fouled OSU's John-Michael Wright on a three-point attempt; however, Wright only made 1 of the 3 foul shots to cut Houston's lead to 9-8 with 14:11 remaining in the first half.

Nearly 60 seconds later, Shead sank 2 free throws before hitting a pull-up jumper. Then, Houston freshman big man JoJo Tugler scored a jump hook in the paint. Houston reserve guard Mylik Wilson followed with a reverse flip shot off the glass -- while falling to the court. Wilson was fouled and added the free throw. Shead capped off Houston's 13-0 run with 2 more jumpers.

Houston led 22-8. Timeout, Oklahoma State, with 9:05 to go in the first half.

Houston led Oklahoma State 40-21 at halftime. Shead scored 17 points in the first half.

With 15:07 to go in the second half, the Coogs led 49-29. Houston Head Coach Kelvin Sampson received 2 technical fouls and was ejected for arguing what he believed were missed calls on both ends of the court impacting his players.

Coach Sampson was asked for his thoughts on his ejection from the game.

"I have no thoughts," Coach Sampson responded.

Oklahoma State guard Javon Small made 3 of the 4 technical foul shots to trim Houston's lead to 49-32. With Coach Sampson out of the game, his players responded with an 8-0 run: Sharp hit a three-pointer to start the run and a driving layup to end it. In between Sharp's 5 points, Shead scored a floater in the paint and a free throw.

"After he got ejected, we just tried to fight a little harder for him," Shead said after the game.

Houston led 57-32 with 13:19 on the clock.

The Coogs' lead grew to as much as 29 on two occasions. The Cowboys outscored the Coogs 23-10 in the final 8:54 to make the final score more respectable.

Oklahoma State had 37 free throws (made 24) in the game compared to Houston's 14 foul shots (made 11).

Houston outscored Oklahoma 24-12 in points off turnovers and 44-16 in the paint.

In addition to Shead's 23 points, Emanuel Sharp scored 16 and Mylik Wilson scored a season-high 12 points.

NEXT: Houston's next game is Saturday, February 10, on the road, against the Cincinnati Bearcats. Tip is set for 3 pm CT on ESPN2.

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