No. 7 Houston overwhelms Arizona State 103-73 as offense surges, but second-half defense slips
A statement win built on an early blitz
Houston’s 103-73 victory over Arizona State on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at the Fertitta Center was decided quickly, then complicated late. The Cougars, ranked No. 7 at tipoff, exploded to a 30-5 lead in the first half and reached intermission ahead 56-29, turning the matchup into a showcase of pace, depth and shot-making.
The win pushed Houston to 17-1 overall and 5-0 in Big 12 play, extending an 11-game winning streak. It also marked the Cougars’ 15th consecutive home victory.
What worked: an unusual offensive peak for this Houston profile
Houston’s identity under Kelvin Sampson has been rooted in defense and physicality, but the defining feature of this night was efficiency on offense. The Cougars shot 56% from the floor and hit 12 of 25 from three-point range. All five starters scored in double figures.
Kingston Flemings: 20 points, 8 assists
Chris Cenac Jr.: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists
Emanuel Sharp: 16 points
Milos Uzan: 16 points
Joseph Tugler: 12 points, 7 rebounds
The early run was fueled by quick execution and high-percentage looks. Houston opened the game making 12 of its first 15 shots, creating separation before Arizona State could stabilize its rotation.
Where the margin ballooned: turnovers and paint production
Beyond the shooting numbers, Houston’s control of the high-leverage areas widened the gap. The Cougars forced 17 turnovers and converted them into 31 points. They also owned the interior, outscoring Arizona State 44-22 in the paint.
Houston combined high-efficiency shooting with turnover creation, producing scoring bursts that Arizona State could not match.
What didn’t: second-half fouls and a defensive drop-off
Even with the final margin at 30 points, the second half offered warning signs. Arizona State scored 44 points after halftime and repeatedly reached the free-throw line, finishing 20 of 24 on foul shots. The Sun Devils also trimmed the deficit substantially from its peak, an indication that Houston’s defensive pressure and discipline were less consistent once the game appeared out of reach.
Arizona State’s scoring was led by Andrija Grbovic (14 points), with Anthony Johnson adding 12 and Bryce Ford and Noah Meeusen scoring 10 apiece. The Sun Devils shot 41% overall and went 9 of 25 from three.
What’s next
Arizona State is scheduled to host West Virginia on Wednesday. Houston’s next game is on the road at No. 15 Texas Tech on Saturday, a matchup that will test whether the Cougars’ offensive ceiling from Jan. 18 can carry over against top-tier Big 12 competition.