The Cougars (13-1, 8-1 American Athletic Conference) also beat the Owls on Dec. 22 and completed the season sweep. Houston won its sixth game in a row by double figures and could run the table in a conference without another ranked team.
How about a top spot in March?
“I don’t think that’s even been in my mindset,” Sampson said.
Grimes and Sasser put the idea in the forefront of any fan watching, as they hit consecutive early 3s to build a 19-point lead en route to win a hastily scheduled game because of COVID-19 issues. This game was originally scheduled for Feb. 8, but when Houston’s game with Cincinnati was postponed, Temple and Houston got bumped up to fill the CBS spot. CBS broadcast a game from the Liacouras Center for just the second time in program history - and the Owls were not ready for the spotlight.