Houston basketball got back in the win column with a huge blowout victory over the Colorado Buffaloes 102-62 at home in Fertitta Center on Saturday afternoon.
The Cougars got exactly what they were looking for in terms of a bounce-back win after a rough past week, losing three games in a row to top 15 competition. That was the first time UH lost three games in a row since 2017. This team was ready to prove they are not to be messed with, and that is what a 40-point win at home over a Big 12 opponent demonstrates. Houston improved to 24-5 and 12-4 in the Big 12.
Here are two takeaways from the game.
Takeaway #1: Uzan and the offense exploded
Senior point guard Milos Uzan was the leading scorer with a career high 26 points on 9/13 shooting, and he was also a remarkable 5/7 from three. He dished six assists and gave up 0 turnovers. All five starters and seven players total were in double digits. That is the first time it has happened in 20 years.
After a poor shooting performance against Kansas last Monday, it was the exact opposite on Saturday. Houston shot 60% overall from the field and 59% from beyond the arc. Houston got 29 points from the bench with redshirt freshman Chase McCarty and sophomore guard Mercy Miller each scoring 10.
Takeaway #2: Aggressive Houston
One of the keys for Houston basketball entering this game, according to coach Kelvin Sampson, was being aggressive in getting to the basket. Uzan was the perfect example of that. He is an elite player when he shows a commitment to drive close to the paint, and he led the way in that category.
Freshman point guard Kingston Flemings added 11 points. Both junior forward Joseph Tugler and senior center Kalifa Sakho were excellent in the paint. Tugler scored a season-high 14 points and was 6/7 from the free throw line, while Sakho added a season-high nine points.
Both improved at the basket. Freshman stretch big Chris Cenac Jr. added 12 points on 6/8 shooting from the field without a 3-point attempt. Houston got back to its formula and forced 15 turnovers and got 21 points off them. Houston also played faster and got 17 fast-break points.
Houston basketball did get out to a slow start and was down 10-2 at the start of the game. The Buffaloes came out with confidence, but the Cougars eventually took control with a 55-29 lead at the half.
Up next for Houston basketball: vs. Baylor, Mar. 4 at 8 p.m. CST