Recap
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Can Houston Cougars' Defense Be the Key Against West Virginia Mountaineers?

The Houston Cougars improved their record to 7-0 with a decisive 77-48 victory over the West Virginia Mountaineers, who now stand at 0-7. The game, held at the Fertitta Center, saw the Coogs dominate both halves, scoring 33 points in the first and adding another 44 in the second. Meanwhile, WVU struggled to keep pace with only 18 points in the first half and managed to add just 30 more after halftime.


Jan 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars forward Joseph Tugler (11) defends the ball from West Virginia Mountaineers center Harlan Obioha (55) and  guard Treysen Eaglestaff (52) in the first half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

First Half


From tip-off, it was clear that H-Town's defense would play a crucial role. The Cougars' aggressive approach led them to secure an impressive total of nine steals throughout the game. Their defensive prowess was evident as they limited WVU's shooting accuracy to just 37 percent from field goals and forced them into committing a total of fifteen turnovers.


Offensively, Houston capitalized on these opportunities with efficient shooting from beyond the arc. Emanuel Sharp contributed significantly by sinking three out of his nine attempts from three-point range during this period.


Jan 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars guard Milos Uzan (7) dribbles against West Virginia Mountaineers  in the second half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Second Half


As play resumed after halftime, Joseph Tugler emerged as a standout performer for H-Town. His contribution on both ends of court included scoring ten points while also grabbing six rebounds and making four steals—showcasing why he is considered one of their key players this season.


The Coogs continued applying pressure defensively which resulted not only in maintaining but extending their lead further against WVU who struggled offensively under such relentless pressure; managing only twelve points inside paint compared against twenty scored by hosts within same area—a testament towards how effective home side’s interior defense proved itself being throughout match duration overall!


Jan 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Treysen Eaglestaff (52) and forward Brenen Lorient (0) fight for a rebound against Houston Cougars forward Joseph Tugler (11) in the second half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Conclusion


In conclusion: analyzing result between these two teams reveals several key moments where pivotal plays made difference ultimately leading towards decisive outcome favoring hosts here today! With upcoming matchup scheduled January eighteenth against Arizona State Sun Devils taking place right back here again inside familiar confines known simply as "Fertitta Center," fans can catch all action live via ESPN broadcast starting promptly at six-fifteen PM Eastern Time—mark your calendars accordingly so you don’t miss any excitement unfolding next time around either!


For those interested further insights regarding recent performance stats specifically related directly involving our beloved squad then look no further than comprehensive breakdown available exclusively online detailing everything need know about latest developments surrounding “Houston Cougars post-match stats” following recent encounter versus Mountaineers themselves earlier week gone past already now too late revisit once more again anytime soon thereafter instead perhaps consider sharing article widely amongst fellow supporters alike help spread word far wide possible reach maximum audience potential thereby ensuring everyone stays informed updated regularly moving forward together united common cause supporting team we love dearly always forevermore amen!

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