TUCSON, Ariz. — In a thrilling matchup, Milos Uzan contributed 19 points and L.J. Cryer scored 15, leading sixth-ranked Houston to a narrow 62-58 victory over 13th-ranked Arizona on Saturday. This win significantly bolstered Houston’s position in the Big 12 Conference standings.
After recently defeating Baylor 76-65, the Cougars (21-4 overall, 13-1 in the Big 12) found themselves trailing by seven points midway through the second half. However, they managed to tighten their defense, holding the Wildcats (17-8 overall, 11-3 in the Big 12) without a field goal for over six minutes, allowing them to surge ahead by seven.
Despite their efforts, Arizona closed the gap and trailed just 59-58 with one minute remaining. Nevertheless, Houston showcased their composure and sealed the game by making 3 out of 4 crucial free throws, marking their 17th victory in the last 18 games. With this result, the Cougars not only extended their impressive road winning streak to 11 games but also established a two-game lead over Arizona in the Big 12, while Texas Tech sits just half a game behind the Wildcats.
Caleb Love stood out for Arizona, scoring 17 points and dishing out seven assists, but he struggled with his shooting, including a disappointing 1 for 8 from beyond the arc.
The game kicked off with both teams combining for a dismal 7 for 28 from the field before Arizona embarked on a 12-2 run, establishing a nine-point lead. Houston responded effectively and closed the halftime score to a more manageable 30-25.
**Key Observations**
Houston displayed their penchant for grinding out victories, tackling a tough road environment effectively. Conversely, Arizona matched their defensive spirit but faced challenges on the offensive end, shooting just 37% from the floor and committing 11 turnovers, resulting in their second consecutive loss.
**Notable Moment**
Cryer was instrumental in the first half with five points and later ignited a 12-0 run by hitting back-to-back three-pointers, giving Houston a 53-48 advantage.
**Stat Highlight**
The Wildcats had a rough night from three-point range, finishing just 5 for 23, including a paltry 1 for 9 in the second half.
**Next Games**
Looking ahead, Houston is set to face Arizona State on Tuesday, while Arizona will take on Baylor on Monday.
