In a highly anticipated matchup, the No. 2 Houston Cougars secured a hard-fought 82-76 victory over the 11th-ranked Baylor Bears in a thrilling overtime showdown. The game marked a significant return for Houston guard L.J. Cryer, who previously played for Baylor and was part of their national championship team three years ago.
Cryer showcased his resilience and skill by contributing 15 points, including six crucial free throws in overtime. Despite facing a hostile reception from the Baylor crowd, Cryer remained composed and turnover-free throughout his nearly 43 minutes on the court.
The Cougars, led by a balanced scoring effort, never trailed in regulation but had to weather a second-half surge from Baylor, who erased a 16-point halftime deficit. A dramatic long-range shot by Jamal Shead at the buzzer initially appeared to seal the win for Houston, only to be overturned upon review.
Ultimately, Cryer's clutch free throws in overtime proved decisive, propelling the Cougars to victory. Emanuel Sharp led Houston with 18 points, supported by strong performances from J'Wan Roberts and Jamal Shead.
On the Baylor side, Ja'Kobe Walter and RayJ Dennis led the scoring charge with 23 and 21 points, respectively. Despite a valiant comeback effort, the Bears fell short in overtime, unable to overcome Houston's resilient play.
Looking ahead, Houston will face Cincinnati at home, while Baylor is set to take on TCU in their next matchup. The game marked the first meeting between the two teams as Big 12 rivals since Baylor's triumph over Houston in the Final Four three years ago.
With Houston's impressive win over a top-11 opponent, the Cougars are poised to make waves in the national rankings. Meanwhile, Baylor is expected to drop in the polls following consecutive losses to top-tier competition.
