Marcus Sasser had 19 points and hit 4 of 7 3-point attempts to help No. 15 Houston take control early and defeat visiting Virginia 67-47 on Tuesday night.
The Cougars (3-0) led from start to finish and shot 11-for-20 from 3-point range. Kyler Edwards sank 5 of 6 long-distance attempts and totaled 18 points.
The Cougars were ranked among the nation’s top defensive teams during last year’s run to the Final Four.
The story of Tuesday night’s game was their defense, which forced 10 turnovers in the first half. The Cavaliers (1-2) committed 17 giveaways overall, leading to 16 points for the Cougars. Five Houston players finished with at least two steals.
Virginia, which dropped out of the Top 25 entering the week, typically has been regarded for its stifling defense and ability to slow teams down with a methodical pace.
However, there was no stopping an athletic Cougars team that shot 49 percent (24-for-49) and totaled 16 fast-break points compared to only four for the Cavaliers. Houston stretched the court for several easy scores from the start.
The Cougars also scored 20 points in the paint and defended well at the rim.
Armaan Franklin led Virginia on the offensive end with 11 points, including a 5-of-6 shooting performance from the free-throw line. Kody Stattmann and Kihei Clark each had eight points. Clark also had six rebounds.
The Cavaliers were held without a 3-pointer in the second half, shooting 0-for-7 and finishing 4-for-19 (21.1 percent) for the game.
Houston shared the ball well and finished with 15 assists, led by Sasser’s four. Jamal Shead and Taze Moore each had three assists.
Unfortunately for the Cougars, Edwards limped off the court with help from a couple of teammates with 3:39 remaining in the second half and did not return.
–Field Level Media
