In a game that went past midnight in Las Vegas, Houston basketball was able to get back on track with a 64-55 win over Notre Dame for their first victory in the Players Era Festival.
Graduate forward J’Wan Roberts tied former forward Fabian White Jr for the most wins in Houston history with 121. UH shot 59% from the field in the first half and got a bit worn out in the second half while playing a back-to-back, as they were only 32%. The Cougars’ defense forced 12 turnovers and didn’t allow a field goal over an eight-minute stretch for Houston to grow and maintain their lead.
“Our defense won the game. Good teams win games even when the ball isn’t going in,” coach Kelvin Sampson said.
Houston got out to a quick 6-0 start, and while Notre Dame made it close, the Cougars had the 39-31 lead. The Fighting Irish cut the lead down to one at 45-44 early in the second half, but Houston responded with a couple of key buckets and put the game away late with some tough shots. The Cougars did not trail throughout the game.
Takeaway #1: Terrance Arceneaux’s first half
Houston basketball needed a second scorer after LJ Cryer was inefficient still recovering from his 30-point effort last night. Redshirt sophomore guard Terrance Arceneaux provided exactly that, as he scored 13 points off the bench in the first half, including a three and a tough fadeaway jumper to end the half with momentum. Arceneaux was not able to come back in the second half as he is still recovering from the torn Achilles he suffered last season, but gave UH exactly what they needed. Arceneaux was perfect from the field (6/6).
Takeaway #2: Emmanuel Sharp led the way in the second half
The junior guard struggled the night before vs Alabama, but stepped up in a big way in the second half, as he scored 14 of his 17 points in that period. Sharp being a strong three-point shooter made a couple of big shots, including one at the end near half-court to basically put the game away.
Takeaway #3: Milos Uzan bounces back
The Las Vegas native had a disappointing first game of the tournament and fouled out early. However, the junior point guard found his groove quickly vs Notre Dame, with nine points and eight assists at the half. Uzan ended his night with 10 points and nine assists, which was the first double-double of the season for Houston.
Next up for Houston (4-2): vs. San Diego State (3-2) – Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.
Next up for Notre Dame (4-3): vs. Creighton (4-3) – Nov. 30 at 1 p.m.