No. 8 Houston Rides Offensive Explosion To 94-85 Win Over No. 14 Arkansas
In a game that featured two gritty defenses, the 8th-ranked Houston Cougars decided to inject some offense into their gameplan to cruise to victory over No. 14 Arkansas in the Never Forget Tribute Classic in Newark tonight.
All Offense, Minimal Defense
It was all fireworks on offense for both teams, with Houston scoring over 90 points in a game for the second straight game, while Arkansas scored its most points in a loss this season with 85. The Cougars had a highly efficient night as they shot 52% from the floor for the game, including an impressive 44% from behind the arc.
The Razorbacks also put forth a valiant effort on the offensive side of the floor in the loss, as they shot over 49% overall. The only shortcomings on offense came from both three-point range and the charity stripe, where they shot 40% and 60%, respectively, from both spots.
The common thread in all three of Arkansas’ losses this season has been poor three-point shooting against quality teams. The Razorbacks rank among the top 30 in three-point shooting percentage at 38%. However, in their three losses, that three-point percentage plummets to 32% overall.
The Stars Show Out For Both Teams
In a game that finishes with this high a score, there were plenty of great scoring performances put on by both teams, especially amongst their star players. For the Cougars, it was the dynamic duo of star Guard Emanuel Sharp and freshman phenom Kingston Flemings who led the way for Houston. Both players finished with over 20 points, with Flemings adding 6 rebounds and 5 assists in an impressive all-around performance in the win.
For the Razorbacks, their own star freshman, Darius Acuff, put on a scoring clinic to keep Arkansas in the game. The McDonald’s All-American scored 27 points on an efficient 9-of-15 from the floor. Razorbacks Forward Malique Ewin had his best game of the season off the bench, as the senior finished with 20 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.
What’s Up Next For Both Teams
Tonight’s game represented one of the few remaining ranked matchups between non-conference teams before the conference season officially begins in a couple of weeks. For Houston, they will finish off their non-conference schedule at home against Middle Tennessee on December 29. The Houston Cougars will then begin their journey towards a third straight Big 12 regular season title against Cincinnati on January 3.
For Arkansas, the Razorbacks will face James Madison at home on December 29. They’ll then begin their tough SEC schedule against No. 20 Tennessee on January 3. That Tennessee game will be the first of seven currently ranked teams that Arkansas will face during conference play.
