Houston Crushes Idaho, Freshmen Shine

0:00On March 20, second-seated Houston crushed 15th-seated Idaho, 78 to 47 in the first round of the men's NCAA A tournament. It marked Idaho's first appearance since 1990 and their big Sky Conference title run. Houston starters dominated with double-digit scoring and rebounding, pulling away early at the Pay Com Center in Oklahoma City. Freshman, Kingston, Flemmings, and Chris Senag Jr. stole the show in their tournament debuts. Flemmings dropped 18 points, going a perfect 6 for 6 from the floor to set a Houston freshman record for an NCAA game. Senag grabbed 18 rebounds, 17 defensive, for a new career high and a plus 15 edge on the boards. The win-builds real confidence for Coach Calvin Samson Squad highlighting their youth and depth after dodging first round chaos. Five Cougars hit double figures in scoring, showing balance across the roster as they eye a deep run from the South region. Off the bench, sophomore guard Mercy Miller added 10 points on 4 for 9 shooting, including two threes and 24 minutes.

1:05I ends highs, his second. Straight double-digit outing. That performance hints at a bigger roll ahead, especially if starters face foul trouble. Houston now faces Texas A&M in the second round on Saturday, March 21st, their second such match-up in three seasons. With in-state support possible, these freshman feats and bench-spark position the Cougars strongly for a potential first final 4 push.