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#3 Houston Cougars Face Baylor in Big 12 Regular-Season Finale at Foster Pavilion
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WACO, Texas — The #3 University of Houston Men’s Basketball team (26-4, 18-1 Big 12) is set to conclude its 2024-25 regular-season schedule with a highly anticipated matchup against Big 12 Conference rival Baylor. The game will take place inside Foster Pavilion on Saturday, with tipoff scheduled for 9 p.m. Houston aims to complete a regular-season sweep of the bears after securing a decisive victory earlier in the season. With a historic conference record already in hand, the Cougars look to cap off their regular season with a statement win on the road.
The University of Houston Cougars are preparing for a Saturday night showdown against the Baylor Bears at 9 p.m. inside Foster Pavilion. This game marks the conclusion of their 2024-25 regular-season schedule. Fans should note the adjusted tipoff time, which was recently changed from earlier published schedules.
Houston enters the game with momentum, seeking to sweep the regular-season series against baylor after a convincing 76-65 victory at Fertitta Center on Feb. 10. That win showcased the Cougars’ dominance on their home court and set the stage for a competitive rematch in Waco.
The Cougars have already etched their names in the record books this season.Their 18 conference wins in 2024-25 have set new Big 12 and Houston single-season records. This achievement surpasses the previous league mark of 17-1 set by Kansas in 2019-20 and eclipses Houston’s own 17-1 record from 2022-23 when they were members of the American Athletic Conference.
Coming off a hard-fought 65-59 victory over kansas on Senior Night at Fertitta Center on Monday, Houston is riding high. Graduate guard LJ Cryer led the charge with 22 points, including four 3-pointers. junior guard Emanuel Sharp contributed 12 points and secured six rebounds, with five coming on the offensive end.
The cougars’ recent success extends beyond just one game. The win against Kansas marked their 39th home victory in their last 40 games inside Fertitta Center, highlighting their formidable presence on their home turf.
Houston’s prowess isn’t limited to their home court. They have been exceptional on the road throughout the 2024-25 season. The Cougars carry a nation-leading 13-game road winning streak into Saturday’s game at Baylor, a streak that also establishes a new Big 12 Conference record.
Leading the cougars’ offensive charge this season is LJ Cryer, averaging 15.0 points per game and boasting an unusual 42.0 3-point field goal percentage. Cryer’s consistency from beyond the arc has been a key factor in Houston’s success,as he has made multiple 3-pointers in all but six games this season.
Graduate forward J’Wan Roberts anchors the Cougars’ defence, leading the team with 6.3 rebounds per game. Roberts is on the cusp of a meaningful milestone, needing just five more rebounds to become the fourth Cougar in school history to reach 1,000 career rebounds.He would join legendary centers Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Greg Anderson in this exclusive club.
Adding to the significance of this achievement,Roberts would also join hayes,Olajuwon,and Anderson as the only Cougars in programme history to record 1,000 points AND 1,000 rebounds during their careers.
Junior point guard Milos Uzan orchestrates the Cougars’ offense, leading the team with 4.5 assists per game. Uzan’s exceptional ball-handling skills are evident in his 3.27 assist-turnover ratio,which tops the Big 12 and ranks seventh nationally.
Scouting Baylor
Baylor enters the game with a 19-10 overall record and a 10-8 mark in Big 12 Conference play. As of march 5, the Bears are tied for sixth place with Kansas in the Big 12 standings.
The Bears have been strong at home, posting a 13-2 record inside Foster Pavilion this season. They are currently riding a two-game winning streak, including a 61-58 victory at TCU on March 4.
in their win against TCU, fifth-year forward Norchad Omier led all players with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Freshman guard V.J. Edgecombe contributed 18 points, including three 3-pointers, along with seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Freshman guard Robert Wright added 11 points and a game-high seven assists.
This season, Omier leads the Bears with 15.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Edgecombe is second with 14.7 points per game, while Wright is third with 11.4 points per game and leads the team with 4.5 assists per contest.
Baylor is led by Head Coach Scott Drew, who is in his 22nd season at Baylor and his 23rd year as a collegiate head coach. Drew has amassed a 482-267 record during his career, including a 462-256 mark at Baylor.He previously coached at valparaiso, compiling a 20-11 record in 2002-03.
Drew holds a 1-2 record against Houston during his career, with all three previous games occurring during his tenure at Baylor. He also has a 1-8 record against Houston Head Coach Kelvin Sampson, including a 1-2 record with Baylor against Sampson’s Houston teams and an 0-6 record with Baylor against Sampson’s Oklahoma squads.
Series History
Houston holds a commanding 40-16 lead in the all-time series against Baylor, which dates back to the 1952-53 season. saturday’s game marks the second of two regular-season meetings between the two teams this season. The two schools met at least twice a year every season from 1975-76 through 1995-96.
In their most recent encounter, Houston secured a 76-65 victory inside Fertitta Center on Feb. 10. though, in the first-ever meeting between the two programs, Baylor claimed a 77-62 win in Waco, Texas, on Jan. 26, 1953.
On the road, Houston holds a 15-10 lead in games played in Waco, Texas. The Cougars have won the last two meetings in Waco,with their last road loss occurring on Feb. 22, 1995, a 97-89 defeat. In their most recent road game against Baylor, Houston emerged victorious with an 82-76 overtime win on Feb. 24, 2024.
Looking Ahead
Following Saturday’s game, Houston will turn its attention to the postseason, competing in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship Quarterfinals inside T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo. The Cougars will begin postseason play at 2 p.m. on Thursday,March 13. Their Quarterfinal opponent will be resolute at the conclusion of the regular season. A win on Thursday would propel the Cougars to the Semifinals, where they would face an opponent to be determined at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 14.
All Houston Men’s Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC and the Varsity Network app.
Houston Cougars’ Historic Season: A Deep Dive into Their Dominance
Can a college basketball team truly redefine dominance? The University of Houston Cougars’ recent performance suggests they might just be doing that.
Interviewer: Dr.Johnson, welcome. You’ve followed the Houston Cougars’ basketball program extensively. How would you assess their unprecedented success this season,notably their record-breaking conference wins and extraordinary road record?
Dr. Johnson: The Houston cougars’ season has been nothing
Houston Cougars’ Unprecedented Dominance: A Deep Dive into Their Historic Season
Has any college basketball team ever redefined dominance quite like the University of Houston Cougars? Their record-breaking season demands a closer look.
Interviewer: Dr. Johnson, welcome. You’ve followed the Houston Cougars’ basketball program extensively. How would you assess their unprecedented success this season, notably their record-breaking conference wins and extraordinary road record?
Dr. Johnson: The Houston Cougars’ accomplishments this season are truly remarkable. Their record-breaking number of conference wins, coupled with their unmatched success on the road, showcases a level of consistent excellence rarely seen in college basketball. Understanding this dominance requires examining several key factors: superior coaching, exceptional talent, cohesive team dynamics, and a winning game plan adaptable to various opponents. Their success isn’t simply about individual brilliance; it’s a testament to the synergy of a well-oiled machine functioning at peak efficiency.
Interviewer: Can you elaborate on the coaching aspect? What separates Head Coach Kelvin Sampson’s approach from others in the college basketball landscape?
Dr. Johnson: Coach Sampson’s approach is marked by a keen emphasis on fundamental basketball skills, a relentless pursuit of excellence in practice, and a deep understanding of player development. he fosters a culture of accountability,demanding discipline and dedication from his players.What also sets him apart is his shrewd strategic planning – his ability to effectively adapt his game plan strategically to exploit weaknesses in each opponent’s game. He masterfully crafts a game strategy that considers the opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, effectively utilizing each player’s unique abilities to maximize the team’s overall strength. This strategic adaptability is crucial in explaining the Cougars’ consistent success.
Interviewer: The Cougars boast impressive statistics, especially in terms of their road game performance. What tactical and strategic elements contribute to their phenomenal road record?
Dr. Johnson: Their exceptional road record speaks volumes about their mental fortitude and adaptability,qualities often tested under the pressure of hostile away environments. They haven’t just won on the road; they’ve dominated, exhibiting a remarkable level of composure and focus away from their home court. This exceptional away record showcases their mental resilience and their adaptability to different game environments. It’s a testament to their thorough preparation and their team’s ability to manage pressure effectively, crucial factors for consistent success in college basketball. Maintaining focus and consistency in a hostile habitat is a skill that has contributed substantially to their past performance.
interviewer: Let’s talk player performance. Could you highlight key players and their contributions to the team’s overall success? How have individual players like LJ Cryer,J’Wan Roberts,and Milos uzan contributed specifically?
Dr. Johnson: The Cougars’ success is not solely reliant on one or two star players; it’s a collective effort.LJ Cryer’s consistent three-point shooting stretches defenses, creating scoring opportunities for others. J’Wan Roberts provides a dominant inside presence, both offensively and defensively; his rebounding prowess secures many crucial possessions. Milos Uzan’s exceptional ball-handling and playmaking abilities orchestrate the offense, keeping the pace energetic and providing scoring opportunities efficiently. The team’s synergy and supporting roles are just as crucial as stellar individual performers—this balance is a hallmark of elite teams.
Interviewer: looking towards the future, what are your predictions for the Houston Cougars in the upcoming postseason? what are the key factors that will determine their success?
Dr. Johnson: The houston cougars enter the postseason with considerable momentum. The key factors determining their success will be maintaining their focus, avoiding complacency, and continuing to execute Coach Sampson’s game plan successfully. Their ability to adapt to different playing styles and opponents’ strategies will also be critical. If they maintain their consistency, they possess the talent and coaching to compete for a championship.
Interviewer: what are the key takeaways from the Houston Cougars’ remarkable season that other college basketball programs can learn from?
Dr. johnson: The key takeaways for other programs are threefold: 1. Cultivate a team culture of accountability and discipline. 2. Develop a versatile game plan and strategic adaptability. 3.Prioritize player development and foster a cohesive team dynamic. These core elements are crucial for building a consistently prosperous program capable of achieving remarkable success.
Concluding Thoughts: The Houston Cougars’ historic season is a testament to incredible coaching, exceptional talent, and a well-defined team strategy. Their unprecedented success serves as an inspiring example for college basketball programs around the country. We invite you to share your thoughts on the Cougars’ remarkable season in the comments section below, or on social media using #UHCougars and #CollegeBasketball.