FORT WORTH, Texas (Interstat) — Houston built a large first-half lead and withstood a second-half push from Texas Christian to secure a 79-70 victory in a Big 12 Conference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Dickies Arena.

The Cougars led 43-30 at halftime behind strong starts from Kingston Flemings and Emanuel Sharp. The Horned Frogs cut the deficit to single digits after halftime, but Houston’s efficiency at the free-throw line, making 22 of 24 attempts, sealed the win. Flemings led all scorers with 27 points for Houston. Xavier Edmonds scored 18 points for Texas Christian.

Houston improved to 18-2 overall. Texas Christian fell to 13-8. Attendance was 6,863.