Milos Uzan’s hot hand from deep and a suffocating first-half blitz turned Tuesday’s Big 12 clash into a highlight-reel rout, tightening Houston’s grip on the conference race and exposing West Virginia’s offensive limits.
Milos Uzan hadn’t scored in double figures since Jan. 3 at Cincinnati. Against West Virginia he didn’t just return—he detonated, burying 5-of-9 triples and sparking a 28-5 first-half avalanche that buried the Mountaineers before halftime.
First-Half Execution: A Masterclass in Game-Opening Fury
Houston’s 23-point run wasn’t luck; it was surgical. The Cougars forced 15 turnovers and turned them into 17 points, while West Virginia shot 2-for-16 during the decisive stretch. Chris Cenac Jr. supplied seven quick points, Emanuel Sharp splashed two threes, and Uzan capped the surge with a step-back triple that sent the Fertitta Center into orbit.
By the Numbers: Houston’s Dominance in Context
- Shooting splits: 43% FG, 31.4% 3PT (11-35) for Houston; 37% FG, 36% 3PT (9-25) for WVU
- Points off turnovers: 17-8 Houston
- Home streak: 14 straight wins at Fertitta Center
- vs. unranked foes: 35 consecutive victories
- Quad 1/2 record: 8-1, best among Big 12 contenders
What It Means for the Big 12 Race
Houston is now 4-0 in league play, alone atop the standings and owners of the conference’s most efficient defense (0.89 PPP allowed in Big 12 games). With Kansas and Iowa State still on the schedule twice, the Cougars have already banked a road win at Cincinnati and this 29-point showcase victory—critical tie-breakers come March.
Mountaineers’ March Dreams Take a Hit
West Virginia drops to 1-4 in Quad 1 opportunities and 2-2 in the league. Outside of DJ Thomas’ flawless 6-of-8 outing, the rest of the roster shot 12-of-37. Bob Huggins’ squad now faces a must-win Saturday against Colorado to avoid slipping to the wrong side of the bubble.
Next Up
Houston hosts Arizona State on Sunday, seeking an 11th straight win before a heavyweight trip to Lawrence next week. West Virginia returns home to face Colorado on Saturday, desperate to stop a two-game skid and protect its fading NCAA résumé.
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