Newark, N.J. — No. 8 Houston delivered a poised, efficient performance on Saturday night, combining sharp perimeter shooting with disciplined defense to pull away from No. 14 Arkansas for a 94–85 victory in the Never Forget Tribute Classic at Prudential Center.
The Cougars controlled the flow from the opening minutes, spacing the floor offensively while using their length and athleticism to disrupt passing lanes on the defensive end. Houston shot 44% from beyond the arc and finished at 52% overall from the hardwood, extending its winning streak to five games and improving to 11–1 on the season.
Houston’s guard Emanuel Sharp led the way with 22 points, while Kingston Flemings chipped in 21. Milos Uzan added 13 points, and Ramon Walker Jr. poured in 12 off the bench. Sharp also reached a milestone, moving past Hakeem Olajuwon into 22nd place on Houston’s all-time scoring list with 1,341 career points.
Houston seized control midway through the first half with a decisive 21–2 run that stretched a modest lead into a commanding advantage. Flemings and Isiah Harwell each scored six points during the surge, helping the Cougars build a 40–20 cushion. Arkansas settled down late in the half, but Houston still carried a 49–41 lead into the break.
The Razorbacks never fully recovered. Arkansas Razorbacks led for just 1:14 early in the game and were unable to cut the deficit below seven points in the second half. Houston answered every push with timely baskets, including a Chase McCarty three-pointer that pushed the lead to 83–67 with 6:47 remaining in the contest.
Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. paced Arkansas with a game-high 27 points and seven assists. Malique Ewin provided a strong spark off the bench, finishing with 20 points and nine rebounds. Billy Richmond III added 12 points, but Arkansas struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 21 of 35 attempts.
Trevon Brazile, Arkansas’ leading rebounder and reigning SEC Player of the Week, was limited to five points after picking up two early fouls that kept him sidelined for most of the first half. Houston capitalized on those minutes, scoring 19 points off 12 Arkansas turnovers and maintaining control throughout.
The matchup marked a renewal of a former Southwest Conference rivalry, with the programs having faced each other regularly from 1975–76 through 1990–91. Saturday’s contest drew an attendance of 6,426 and featured only two ties and three lead changes, all occurring early in the first half.
Houston finished with 13 assists against nine turnovers, while Arkansas matched the assist total but committed 12 turnovers that proved costly.
Up Next:
Houston hosts Middle Tennessee on Dec. 29.
Arkansas returns home to face James Madison on Dec. 29.
