Houston’s Shed nearly became a hero with a three-pointer against Baylor, but it took overtime for them to secure a thrilling 82-76 victory on the road.
The game’s narrative swayed dramatically in the final moments of regulation. With the score knotted at 69, Baylor freshman forward Yves Missi stood at the free-throw line with a chance to seize the lead for the Bears.
However, his miss allowed Houston one last opportunity, with Shead’s buzzer-beating attempt ultimately waved off after review.
Overtime became Houston’s domain as they outscored Baylor 13-7, securing a pivotal win that now positions them as frontrunners for the Big 12 regular-season title in their inaugural year in the conference.
The victory not only underscores Houston’s prowess but also reaffirms their status as a formidable contender for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Their suffocating defense against Baylor showcased the caliber that could prove instrumental in March madness.
Houston’s Resilience Beyond Miracles
Baylor, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, held scoreless for the initial three minutes and unable to match their season average in points even with the extended playtime.
Houston’s triumph extends their winning streak to five games, providing them with a crucial edge in the conference race. With a one-game lead over second-place No. 6 Iowa State and the tiebreaker in hand, the Cougars are poised to finish atop the standings.
However, the road ahead remains laden with challenges, as highlighted by ESPN’s Basketball Power Index projecting Houston with the third-toughest remaining schedule in the conference.
Nonetheless, the Cougars have demonstrated their ability to navigate tough contests without relying on miracles, boasting a staggering 95.4% chance, per BPI, of clinching the conference crown.
As Houston continues their quest for conference supremacy and eyes a deep tournament run, their resilience and clutch performances, exemplified in the showdown against Baylor, serve as a testament to their championship aspirations.
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