LAWRENCE, Kansas – Tre White scored a season-high 23 points as No. 14 Kansas responded to its first home loss of the season with a 69-56 victory over No. 5 Houston on Monday night. The win halted a two-game skid for the Jayhawks and handed the Cougars their third consecutive defeat.
Freshman guard Darryn Peterson added 14 points for Kansas (21-7, 11-4 Sizeable 12), playing over 30 minutes and remaining on the court to close out the game. Bryson Tiller contributed 11 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, even as Melvin Council Jr. Also scored 11 points with six rebounds and four assists.
The Jayhawks’ bounce-back performance came just 48 hours after an 84-68 upset loss to Cincinnati at Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday, a result that saw Kansas fall six spots in the latest AP Top 25 poll. Houston (23-5, 11-4) was led by Kingston Flemings, who scored 16 points on 6-of-18 shooting.
Houston’s shooting struggles were a key factor in the outcome, as the Cougars shot just 32% from the field, including a dismal 5 of 24 (21%) from three-point range. Kansas’ defensive effort held Houston to its lowest point total since January 13th.
Kansas’ victory extended its remarkable record on ESPN’s Big Monday at Allen Fieldhouse to 52-1 including an impressive 41-0 under coach Bill Self. The Jayhawks previously defeated then-No. 1 Arizona at Allen Fieldhouse earlier this month.
The Cougars’ losing streak marks their first three-game losing streak since January 2017. The Jayhawks’ win also moved them into a tie with Houston for second place in the Big 12 standings.
Kansas will next travel to Arizona for a two-game road trip, beginning with a matchup against No. 2 Arizona on Saturday.