Houston’s youth shines in commanding victory over Oakland

With Houston basketball heading into the season with a new-look roster and several unknowns, it has become evident that Houston’s young talent is taking advantage of their opportunity.

Freshman guard Kingston Flemings, freshman forward Chris Cenac Jr. and sophomore guard Mercy Miller all made an impact in the Cougars’ 78-45 win over Oakland on Wednesday night at the Fertitta Center.

Flemings’ high motor and effort have allowed him to burst onto the scene in his first year in the red and white.

The first-year point guard followed up his 20-point performance on Saturday with another all-around strong showing, finishing the game with 19 points and nine assists, one shy of his first-career double-double.

Flemings also had set a goal to minimize turnovers in the future. He did just that, ending with zero on the night.

Cenac Jr. bounced back from a 1-for-8 shooting performance against Towson with an 11-point game on 45 percent shooting.

The projected lottery pick found his stroke on jumpers from the top of the key throughout the game. 

Miller, another young talent who Sampson said is “technically a freshman” because of his limited playing time last season, delivered a statement performance in his 19 minutes against the Golden Grizzlies, after having limited playing time in the first two games.

In a short stretch in the first half, he scored seven points on two jump shots and a corner 3-pointer.

“I wasn’t really getting Mercy minutes; he earned them,” coach Kelvin Sampson said. “He’s played well at practice. Mercy can score.”

Houston’s veteran leadership between junior forward Jojo Tugler, senior guard Milos Uzan, graduate guard Emanuel Sharp and senior guard Ramon Walker Jr. have been a huge help with getting the young guys up to speed.

“The younger guys only know so much, and sometimes you just have to show them,” Walker said. “My role in leadership is to show them how it’s done. You know, getting on the floor for loose balls or going in there, crashing, playing hard, that’s something coach holds us accountable for and something I take pride in.”

This performance was as expected for the third game in an early season, as Houston beat an Oakland team handily, who lost a close 87-77 game against No. 2 Purdue last Friday.

Sampson praised Oakland’s veteran head coach, Greg Kampe, in the post-game press conference after the win.

“There are certain coaches that are really good for the game, and I think he is one of them,” Sampson said. “I’ve been a big admirer of his over the years.”

Even with facing a talented coach with a deep roster, the Cougars showed improvement in several areas.

The defense once again showed up by forcing 13 turnovers, including nine steals. The Cougars also protected the rim, finishing the game with six blocks.

After only committing 13 and 12 turnovers in the first two games, respectively, Houston only committed six turnovers in the game.

Sharp tied in scoring with Flemings, ending his night with 19 points, including five made 3-point jumpers.

Freshman guard Isiah Harwell had an encouraging game back after sitting out against Towson with knee discomfort.

In just 17 minutes, he contributed nine points, two rebounds and a steal.

With Tugler recording two early fouls, senior forward Kalifa Sakho saw an increased role, finishing the game with five rebounds, and he scored his first field goal of the season with an emphatic slam dunk.

With the victory, the Cougars improve to 3-0 on the season, and they have a real test this weekend.

Houston will face No. 22 Auburn on Sunday, Nov. 16, at The Battleground 2k25, in Birmingham, Ala.