Houston Looks to Extend Win Streak Against Cincinnati in Big 12 Clash

CINCINNATI (Interstat) — The Houston Cougars, boasting one of the nation’s top records, will face a stiff road test against the Cincinnati Bearcats to open their Big 12 conference schedule on Saturday at Fifth Third Arena.

Houston (12-1) enters the matchup riding a nine-game win streak, most recently a 69-60 victory over Middle Tennessee on Dec. 29. The Cougars’ lone loss came against then-Tennessee in November. Their defense has been a hallmark, holding opponents to an average of 58.8 points per game during the streak.

Cincinnati (8-5) seeks a statement win to bolster its postseason resume after a non-conference slate with mixed results. The Bearcats are coming off an 89-62 rout of Lipscomb but fell narrowly, 68-65, at Clemson in their previous outing.

A key matchup will feature Houston’s dynamic guard Kingston Flemings against Cincinnati’s backcourt leader Jizzle James. Flemings has been instrumental in the Cougars’ success, averaging 15.4 points and 4.8 assists per game. He scored 21 points in road wins at Arkansas and against Florida State. James averages 14 points and leads the Bearcats in assists. He posted 16 points and five assists in the win over Lipscomb.

Houston’s balance is evident. Against Middle Tennessee, Joseph Tugler added 13 points and Emanuel Sharp scored 10. Cincinnati counters with size from 7-foot center Moustapha Thiam, who scored 18 points last time out, and the perimeter shooting of Kerr Kriisa.

This game marks the first meeting between the programs as Big 12 foes. The conference schedule offers no respite, as Houston hosts Texas Tech on Tuesday, while Cincinnati travels to West Virginia.

Fifth Third Arena is expected to be at capacity for the 8 p.m. EST tipoff, providing a raucous environment for Cincinnati’s attempt to hand Houston its first loss since Nov. 25.