Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats suffer a 67-62 loss to Big 12 rival Houston

After trailing by double digits in the early stages, the Cincinnati Bearcats battled back but came up short in a 67-62 loss to the Houston Cougars.

Cincinnati finished the first half on a 19-4 run to take a 32-29 lead at halftime but Houston found a way to regain total control in the second half.

During a postgame press conference, Bearcats head coach Wes Miller reflected on the narrow loss to rival Houston per Cincinnati Athletics.

“We are certainly disappointed with that result. We had a real opportunity against the top-five team in the country. They set a tone from start."

Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats suffer a 67-62 loss to Big 12 rival Houston

Bearcats forward Daniel Skillings Jr scored a team-high 13 points off the bench, while John Newman III posted 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Cincinnati had a chance to pick up a critical win as Big 12 play continues but Houston proved to be a more complete and physical team again.

Houston was fueled by veteran tandem J'Wan Roberts and Jamal Shead, who combined for a 36-point performance in the conference victory.

Kelvin Sampson's team totaled a 38-22 edge in points in the paint, which was just too much for the Bearcats to overcome on Saturday night.