Hailey
The college basketball season is heating up, and No. 3 Houston is playing some of its best basketball right now. The Cougars are on a 17-game home winning streak, and they do not look like they are slowing down anytime soon.
This Saturday afternoon, Houston will welcome a struggling Kansas State team for an important Big 12 Conference game.
While Houston is flying high in the rankings, Kansas State is trying to find answers after a tough stretch of losses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect from this exciting matchup.
Houston Riding Momentum Into Big 12 Battle
Houston has been nearly unstoppable this season. The Cougars hold a strong 22-2 overall record and are 10-1 in the Big 12. Recently, they moved up five spots in the AP Poll, proving that their hard work is paying off.
Emanuel Sharp Breaks School Record
In their latest game, Houston defeated Utah 66-52. The star of the night was Emanuel Sharp, who scored 27 points and hit a career-high eight three-pointers.
With that performance, Sharp made history. He now holds the school record for most career three-pointers with 277, passing former record holder Marcus Sasser.
Sharp said he was simply taking open shots and trusting his teammates. He praised point guards Kingston Flemings and Milos Uzan for setting him up in great positions to score.
Houston’s Strong Defense
Even though Sharp led the scoring, Houston’s success is not only about offense. Their defense has been one of the best in the country. Against Utah, the Cougars held their opponent to just 11.8% shooting from three-point range. Utah scored its lowest total of the season.
Houston has now won five straight games and 16 of its last 17. That kind of consistency shows why they are ranked so high.
Houston Key Stats Overview
Here is a quick look at Houston’s current performance:
| Category | Houston Stats |
|---|---|
| Overall Record | 22-2 |
| Big 12 Record | 10-1 |
| Home Winning Streak | 17 Games |
| Last Game Result | Won 66-52 vs Utah |
| Top Scorer | Emanuel Sharp (16.3 PPG) |
Freshman Kingston Flemings leads the team slightly in scoring at 16.6 points per game, while Sharp averages 16.3 points per game.
Kansas State Facing Major Challenges
On the other side, Kansas State is going through a difficult time. The Wildcats have a 10-14 overall record and are just 1-10 in Big 12 play. They are currently on a five-game losing streak.
In their last game, Kansas State lost badly to Cincinnati, 91-62. The Wildcats shot only 40.3% from the field and struggled from beyond the arc, making just 6 of 25 three-point attempts.
P.J. Haggerty Carrying the Load
One bright spot for Kansas State has been P.J. Haggerty, who is the second-leading scorer in the nation at 23.3 points per game. He scored 24 points in the loss to Cincinnati, but he did not get enough help from his teammates.
Kansas State was down by 22 points at halftime and fell behind by as many as 32 points in the second half. That shows how difficult things have been.
Coach Jerome Tang Speaks Out
After the recent loss, Kansas State coach Jerome Tang openly criticized his team’s effort. He said players need to show more pride when wearing the Wildcats uniform. He also mentioned that big changes could be coming next season.
Kansas State has now lost 10 of its last 11 games. Their 1-10 conference start matches the worst Big 12 beginning in school history.
What to Expect in This Matchup
This game clearly features two teams moving in opposite directions.
Houston is confident, disciplined, and playing excellent basketball on both ends of the floor. Their offense is sharp, and their defense makes it very hard for opponents to score.
Kansas State, meanwhile, is searching for answers. While Haggerty can score, the team needs stronger defense and better shooting to compete with a top-ranked opponent like Houston.
Playing at home gives Houston another advantage. With a loud crowd behind them and a long winning streak at home, the Cougars will likely enter the game as heavy favorites.
Saturday’s Big 12 showdown between Houston and Kansas State highlights two completely different seasons. Houston continues to prove why it is one of the best teams in college basketball, with strong defense, smart teamwork, and record-breaking performances from Emanuel Sharp.
Kansas State, on the other hand, is battling inconsistency and tough losses. If Houston maintains its focus and defensive intensity, the Cougars could extend their home winning streak even further.
For Kansas State, this game is about pride, effort, and trying to rebuild confidence. Fans can expect high energy, strong defense, and another big test for both programs.