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TULSA, Okla. – Houston fans chanted "Sweet 16" at the last minute of the NCAA Cougars tournament win over Ohio State.
The party was long overdue – 35 years, to be exact – since the Cougars made this trip.
Corey Davis scored 21 points to help Houston defeat the Ohio State 74-59 in a second round matchup in the Midwest region Sunday night. It was the 33rd victory of the Cougars season, beating the 1983-1984 team's record for the most wins of the season. This team was the last to reach the Sweet 16 and qualify for the national final.
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Galen Robinson added 13 points to Houston (33-3), who will face Kentucky.
Judge Jackson scored 18 points and Kaleb Wesson added 15 for Ohio State (20-15).
The state of Ohio started hot from 3 points, reaching seven of its first 12. But Houston burned the Buckeyes in transition to score 14-6 and close the half with a 39-31 lead.
There was a brief skirmish just after the end of the first half. Keyshawn Woods of the Ohio State and DeJon Jarreau of Houston were given a technical foul after the teams were injured mid-way through. Houston's Fabian White has been selected by his teammates and coaches.
A shot by Chris Harris allowed the Cougars to go up to 52-44 with just over 10 minutes remaining. A float in Armoni Brooks' lane pushed Houston to a lead of nine and led to a timeout from Ohio State. A transition setup by Davis pushed the advantage to 11 and the Cougars kept control for good.
GREAT IMAGE
State of Ohio: The Buckeyes finished 8-12 at Big Ten Play and placed eighth in the conference tournament standings. Going so far was a feat. They lost four of the five NCAA tournament candidates before defeating Iowa State in the first round. The brothers Kaleb and André Wesson will be back next year to provide a solid foundation.
Houston: The Cougars continue to rebuild a program that was 13-19 in 2014-15. Houston injured the Buckeyes inside and out, submerged the Buckeyes' depth and speed and jumped when the Ohio State's 3-point shot came back to Earth.
FOLLOWING
Houston will play Kentucky in the Sweet 16.
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