HOUSTON — Temira Poindexter was instrumental for No. 12 Kansas State, scoring eight of her 15 points in the final quarter, leading her team to an impressive 74-55 victory over Houston on Wednesday.

Joining her in the scoring effort, Ayoka Lee and Jaelyn Glenn both showcased remarkable shooting skills, finishing the game with 15 points apiece while combining for an impressive 13 of 18 from the field for the Wildcats (14-1, 2-0 in the Big 12 Conference), who are on a nine-game winning streak. Serena Sundell also made a substantial contribution with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists.

The Cougars’ Summer Bostock tied the game at 51 with a three-point play as the third quarter came to a close, and shortly thereafter, Eylia Love gave Houston its only lead by sinking a free throw just a minute into the fourth quarter.

However, Poindexter quickly capitalized on the momentum shift, scoring the next five points and launching Kansas State on a decisive closing run. Along with her contributions, Lee added a three-point play, which further extended the Wildcats’ advantage.

Houston struggled in the fourth quarter, missing their first 13 shot attempts and going without scoring for a long stretch of seven minutes. They ended up going 1 of 16 from the field during this period while being badly outrebounded, 17 to 5.

For the Cougars (4-9, 0-2), Love surged to 16 points and Laila Blair added 12 points.

Kansas State initially took control of the game, building a 20-14 lead by the end of the first quarter. Glenn sparked a critical 10-0 run with a three-pointer and a layup, propelling the Wildcats ahead 35-20, and they took a 37-27 advantage into halftime.

Houston closed out the third quarter with a 12-2 run, highlighted by a three-pointer from Bostock that pulled them even in the game.

Next, Kansas State will return to their home court to face Texas Tech on Saturday, while Arizona State is set to visit Houston.