Kingston Flemings scores 25 as No. 10 Houston steadies season with 79-70 win at TCU

Houston responds after Texas Tech loss with road win in Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, Texas — No. 10 Houston regained momentum Wednesday night, defeating TCU 79-70 at Schollmaier Arena behind 25 points from freshman guard Kingston Flemings and 23 from Emanuel Sharp. The victory moved Houston to 18-2 overall and 6-1 in Big 12 play.

The Cougars, coming off a four-point loss at Texas Tech that ended a long run of road success, led for nearly the entire night and entered halftime with a 15-point advantage. Houston’s only deficit came early, when it fell behind by one point roughly 2½ minutes into the game.

Second-half offensive drought tested the lead

Houston’s control tightened late in the first half, but the game shifted after intermission as the Cougars went cold from the field. After missing their final four shots before the break, Houston opened the second half by missing 11 of its next 13 attempts. During a stretch of more than five minutes, Houston went without a made jumper from Flemings while TCU closed within two points.

Flemings’ shot-making and late-game production stabilized Houston as the margin narrowed. Sharp’s scoring provided another steady outlet even as Houston managed foul trouble among key contributors.

Foul trouble reshaped Houston’s rotation

Sharp spent an extended stretch on the bench because of fouls, and Houston’s top defender, Joseph Tugler, was limited to eight minutes. Houston still generated enough offense to protect its lead and finish the road win.

Chris Cenac Jr. had eight points and a career-high 15 rebounds, helping Houston withstand stretches when its perimeter shots were not falling and providing second-chance opportunities and defensive stops on missed shots.

TCU’s rally falls short

For TCU, Xavier Edmonds and David Punch combined for 34 points and 15 rebounds as the Horned Frogs pushed the game into a late competitive phase. The comeback bid, however, stalled as Houston answered key runs and closed out at the free-throw line and with half-court execution.

Context: Houston’s bounce-back pattern continues

The result fit a broader trend for Houston under head coach Kelvin Sampson: the program has rarely stacked losses in recent seasons and has consistently responded after defeats. The win also followed Flemings’ 42-point performance in the loss at Texas Tech, underscoring his growing role in Houston’s offense as Big 12 play intensifies.

• Final score: Houston 79, TCU 70
• Houston leaders: Kingston Flemings 25 points; Emanuel Sharp 23 points
• Notable support: Chris Cenac Jr. 8 points, 15 rebounds (career high)

Houston led for nearly the entire game but needed late execution after a prolonged second-half shooting slump allowed TCU back within two possessions.