NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — The Houston Cougars built a first-half lead and held off the Arkansas Razorbacks for a 94-85 men’s basketball victory Saturday at Prudential Center.

Houston led 49-41 at halftime and maintained control despite a game-high 27 points from Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. The Cougars’ backcourt duo of Kingston Flemings and Emanuel Sharp combined for 43 points. Houston’s efficient offense, which committed only seven turnovers, proved decisive against an Arkansas team that struggled from the free-throw line, making 21 of 35 attempts.

The Cougars improved to 11-1 this season. Arkansas fell to 9-3. Attendance was 6,246.