The seventh-ranked Houston Cougars put on a defensive clinic on Tuesday night, suffocating the West Virginia Mountaineers in an impressive 89-55 victory. From the opening tip, the Cougars' trademark pressure defense was on full display, forcing turnovers and frustrating the Mountaineers' offense at every turn. It was a dominant performance from a team that looks poised to make a deep run in March.

Setting the Tone

Houston set the tone early, jumping out to a 15-4 lead and never looking back. The Cougars' defense was relentless, holding West Virginia to just 22 first-half points on a frigid 25% shooting from the field. The Mountaineers had no answer for Houston's length and athleticism, as they were hounded into 14 turnovers in the first half alone. By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, the Cougars had built a commanding 44-22 lead, and the game was all but over.

A Balanced Attack

While their defense was the story of the game, the Cougars also had a balanced and efficient offensive attack. Five players scored in double figures, led by guard LJ Cryer with 18 points. Forward J'Wan Roberts was a force in the paint, finishing with 14 points and 12 rebounds. The Cougars shot an impressive 52% from the field and dominated the glass, outrebounding the Mountaineers 45-28. It was a complete performance, one that showcased the depth and versatility of this Houston team.

Milos Uzan Shines

In a game filled with standout performances, perhaps none was more impressive than that of Houston point guard Milos Uzan. The sophomore from Las Vegas carved up the Mountaineers' defense with his court vision and slick ball-handling, finishing with 12 points and 10 assists. He controlled the tempo of the game from start to finish, and his decision-making was impeccable. Uzan's performance was a microcosm of Houston's overall dominance, as they played with a level of confidence and precision that few teams in the country can match.

Looking Ahead

With the win, Houston improves to 16-1 on the season and remains undefeated in Big 12 play. They look every bit the part of a national title contender, with a stifling defense and a deep and talented roster. They'll face their toughest test of the season on Saturday when they travel to face a ranked opponent in BYU. For West Virginia, this was a humbling loss, as they fall to 6-10 and 1-4 in the Big 12. They'll need to find some answers on offense if they want to compete in a loaded conference. The road doesn't get any easier for the Mountaineers, as they host No. 3 Kansas on Saturday.