Houston Cruises Past TCU 79-70 Behind Kingston Flemings' Stellar Performance

Houston's high-powered offense was on full display at Schollmaier Arena, as they defeated TCU 79-70 behind a dominating performance from Kingston Flemings. The junior guard poured in 27 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists to lead the Cougars to their 18th win of the season. Flemings' impressive outing was complemented by Emanuel Sharp's 23 points, as Houston's dynamic duo proved too much for the Horned Frogs to handle.

TCU, led by Xavier Edmonds' 18 points and 10 rebounds, struggled to keep pace with Houston's blistering offense in the first half. The Cougars jumped out to a 43-30 lead at the break, with Flemings and Sharp combining for 29 points. The Horned Frogs mounted a comeback effort in the second half, but Houston's defense held strong, limiting TCU to just 40 points over the final 20 minutes.

Despite the loss, Edmonds' performance was a bright spot for TCU, as he notched his third double-double of the season. David Punch added 16 points and 6 assists for the Horned Frogs, while Brock Harding chipped in with 8 points and 5 assists. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the Cougars' balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Houston winning by 5 points, and while the final margin was 9, the outcome was never truly in doubt. The Cougars' victory was a reflection of their depth and talent, as they improved to 18-2 on the season. With this win, Houston solidified its position as one of the top teams in the country, and its resume continues to grow more impressive by the day.

This matchup was a Quadrant 1 game for both teams, and the outcome will undoubtedly have implications for their tournament chances. For TCU, the loss drops them to 13-8, but the fact that they were able to hang with a top-10 team like Houston will likely earn them some respect from the selection committee. As for Houston, this win is just another feather in their cap, and they will likely remain a top-10 team in the national rankings.

As the season wears on, Houston's resume will continue to be bolstered by wins like this one. With a strong non-conference schedule and a challenging conference slate still ahead, the Cougars will have ample opportunities to prove themselves as one of the best teams in the country. For now, they can bask in the glory of a hard-fought road win, and look forward to their next challenge. The victory over TCU is a significant one, and it will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the tournament landscape come March.