Emanuel Sharp was a standout player for Houston, leading the team with 15 points, all scored in the first half. His early contributions included three crucial 3-pointers that helped the Cougars establish a significant lead. Sharp's first 3-pointer came after Kansas State's initial 9-5 run, igniting a 16-2 run that propelled Houston ahead 21-11. The Cougars showcased disciplined play, finishing the first half without any turnovers and taking a commanding 46-24 lead into halftime.
In addition to Sharp's performance, Houston saw strong contributions from several players. Sophomore forward Joseph Tugler achieved his first career double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while also blocking two shots. Senior center Ja'Vier Francis narrowly missed a double-double, finishing with 11 points and nine rebounds, both of which were season highs. Graduate forward J'Wan Roberts made history by becoming Houston's all-time leader in appearances with his 150th game and scoring his 1,000th career point, ending the game with 10 points and a total of 1,007 career points.
The matchup also featured a notable reunion between Houston graduate guard LJ Cryer and Kansas State coach Jerome Tang, who previously coached Cryer at Baylor. Cryer contributed 11 points to the Cougars' victory, downplaying the significance of facing his former coach. This victory not only keeps Houston strong in the Big 12 standings but also reinforces their position in the national rankings, where they currently sit at 12th in the AP Top 25.
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