Big 12 play continued as the Cincinnati Bearcats suffered a loss against conference foe Houston Cougars at Fifth Third Arena on Saturday night.
Cincinnati was trying to pick up a pivotal win in the conference but Houston was able to avoid an upset and remain atop the Big 12 standings.
Houston star guard Jamal Shead compiled 16 points in the win, and center J'Wan Roberts put up a game-high 20 points and eight rebounds.
In addition to being outrebounded, the Bearcats allowed 38 points in the paint as Houston found plenty of success from their veteran frontcourt.
Wes Miller reacted to the #Bearcats narrow loss to rival Houston during the postgame press conference.
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) February 11, 2024
“We’re certainly disappointed in the result. We had a real opportunity against a top-five team in the country.”https://t.co/hMIRcCve1U pic.twitter.com/sAwfh62hwH
Cincinnati Basketball: Houston outlasts the Bearcats in pivotal Big 12 matchup
Both teams struggled to find a rhythm shooting from 3-point range but Houston was able to take advantage of racking up 17 offensive rebounds.
Cincinnati forward John Newman III posted 10 points and 10 rebounds, plus freshman guard Jizzle James added 10 points off the bench.
There is certainly no shame in losing to one of the nation's highest ranked teams but it was yet another missed opportunity for the Bearcats.
Wes Miller's team fell to 15-8 with the loss but will have a chance to bounce back against 14th ranked Iowa State at home on Tuesday evening.