Despite losing star player J’Wan Roberts to injury, L.J. Cryer led the Houston Cougars men’s basketball team to a dominant second-half performance against Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship semifinal. Cryer’s impressive 20-point contribution, including six three-pointers, propelled the Cougars to an 82-59 victory. “Great first half! Keep it rolling! @TexasTechMBB,” Patrick Mahomes wrote on X at halftime, where Texas Tech was trailing by three points.
https://t.co/MQneH6DLrH pic.twitter.com/vKLPBTce7V
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) March 16, 2024
However, Mahomes’ wasn’t that pleased after the end of the game, when he quoted the aforementioned post and shared a gif of a kid unable to hold its tears. Emanuel Sharp and Ja’Vier Francis also made significant contributions with 17 and 12 points, respectively. Despite a late first-half surge from Texas Tech, Houston’s defense held firm, limiting their shooting efficiency and forcing turnovers.
However, concerns arose when Roberts suffered a shin contusion, sidelining him for the remainder of the game. Head coach Kelvin Sampson’s team, already anticipated as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, is now vying for an automatic bid into March Madness, potentially solidifying their top seed status.
Next Cougars game
The Cougars will face Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament championship game, aiming to bolster their NCAA tournament positioning. ESPN’s Bracketology predicts Houston to secure a No. 1 seed in the South Region, with Selection Sunday determining their final seeding.
