Houston 94, Arkansas 85
Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
December 20, 2025
Houston took control when … The Cougars had a 19-17 lead with 13:26 remaining in the first half, as guard Milos Uzan scored five points, and Kingston Flemings added four in a 15-0 run that gave Houston a 34-17 lead in only 2:36. Isaiah Harwell hit back-to-back three-point shots for Houston to claim its biggest lead at 40-19. Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. scored nine of his game-high 27 points, which allowed the Razorbacks to cut the margin to 49-41 at halftime. Emanuel Sharp scored 11 consecutive points to give Houston a 66-54 lead, which allowed the Cougars to withstand Arkansas’s second-half tenacity and comeback potential.
On the Prowl … Coach Kelvin Sampson rebuilt his roster well after the Cougars’ run to the national championship game last season, where they lost a 65-63 decision to Florida. Kingston Flemings has come in and has become one of the primary options in Houston’s attack. He has 15.3 points and 4.5 assists per contest. Emanuel Sharp, a stalwart and leader in his fifth season, leads Houston in scoring (17.3 ppg) and is a strong leader of the attack. The Coogs’ defense is back with vengeance as the aggression and tenacity hold opponents to 60 ppg. (4th/CBB) while the first 12 opponents have made just 38.7 percent (16th/CBB) of their field goal attempts.
Hog Hysteria … Coach John Calipari had his Razorbacks playing at the top of their game as they entered the Sweet 16 at the end of last season before losing to Texas Tech in overtime. Trevon Brazile joined Billy Richmond, III, and D.J. Wagner as three quality returnees. Acuff (18.9 ppg) and freshman teammate Meleek Thomas (14.2 ppg) lead Arkansas in scoring. Saturday, Acuff was able to find shots and made 9-of-15 and got to the line, making 8-of-11 free throws. Malique Ewin had a big day inside by scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds. He was able to get to the line 17 times, making 10.
Coach Sampson on Saturday’s offensive attack … “We used to be a defensive school. Maybe this way we’ll win one more game.”
Coach Cal on Houston’s approach … ” We could not stay in front of them. They just spread the court and went on a dribble and shot layups.”
Who’s Got Next?: The Cougars host Middle Tennessee State on Monday, December 29, while the Razorbacks host James Madison on the same day.