Unranked Temple takes down No. 1 Houston in thrilling end

Damian Dunn scored 16 factors and made the go-ahead free throw, Kur Jongkuch blocked Houston’s go-ahead try within the closing seconds and Temple held on to defeat the top-ranked Cougars 56-55 on Sunday.

Temple improved to 3-18 towards No. 1 ranked groups. The Owls (12-9, 6-2 American Athletic Conference) earned their first win over a No. 1 ranked group since a 77-69 win at No. 1 Cincinnati on Feb. 20, 2000.

Tied at 55, Dunn made a free throw with 1:06 left to present Temple a one-point lead. Jamal Shead missed a 3-pointer and Nick Jourdain grabbed the rebound. Dunn missed a layup with 8 seconds left, and Jongkuch grabbed the rebound, however the Owls have been whistled for a shot clock violation upon evaluation.

The Temple Owls rejoice after defeating the primary ranked Houston Cougars at Fertitta Center on January 22, 2023 in Houston, Texas.
(Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Trailing by one, Shead drove to the basket however Jongkuch blocked it out of the bounds with 1.3 seconds left. Tramon Mark’s tip-in try fell brief on the buzzer to present the Owls the win.

Zach Hicks added 12 factors for Temple, which snapped a six-game dropping streak to Houston. The Owls shot 31% however have been 20 of twenty-two from the free throw line.

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Shead scored 13 factors, and Marcus Sasser added 12 factors for Houston (18-2, 6-1), which noticed its nine-game profitable streak snapped.

Houston shot 34% however have been 11 of 21 from the free throw line.

Jarace Walker #25 of the Houston Cougars and Tramon Mark #12 stroll off the court docket after dropping 56-55 high the Temple Owls at Fertitta Center on January 22, 2023 in Houston, Texas.
(Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Tied at 47, Temple used an 8-1 spurt to open up a 55-48 lead on two free throws by Jourdain with 6½ minutes remaining. Houston responded with a 7-0 run to tie it at 55.

BIG PICTURE

Temple: The Owls improved to 2-0 this season towards ranked opponents. … Temple didn’t make a subject purpose of the ultimate 7:18 and have been 5 of 21 from the sector within the second half. … The Owls had 11 assists on 14 subject targets.

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Houston: With the sport tied on the half at 30 apiece, it marked the primary time this season the Cougars haven’t led on the half. … Coach Kelvin Sampson was issued a technical foul within the second half for arguing a foul name. … Houston outrebounded Temple 39-33.

ASTROS IN THE HOUSE

Houston Astros supervisor Dusty Baker, third base coach Gary Pettis and nearer Ryan Pressly sat courtside for the sport.

Hysier Miller #3 of the Temple Owls dribbles the ball baseline round Jamal Shead #1 of the Houston Cougars at Fertitta Center on January 22, 2023 in Houston, Texas. 
(Bob Levey/Getty Images)

UP NEXT

Temple: Hosts South Florida on Wednesday.

Houston: At Central Florida on Wednesday.