Shead, Sasser lead No. 1 Houston past Wichita State 83-66

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HOUSTON (AP) — Jamal Shead scored a career-high 25 points, Marcus Sasser added 24 and No. 1 Houston defeated Wichita State 83-66 on Thursday night.

Shead shot 10 of 17 from the field. The junior was 4 of 8 on 3-pointers.

Sasser tied the school career record for most 3-pointers set by Robert McKiver with 261. He also scored at least 20 points for the sixth straight game, and chants of “Sasser” filled the Fertitta Center after it was over.

Jarace Walker had 11 points and nine rebounds for Houston (28-2, 16-1 American Athletic Conference). The Cougars shot 47%, including 9 of 25 on 3s, in winning their 10th straight game.

Houston forced 20 turnovers, which it converted into 17 points.

Craig Porter Jr. had 17 points and seven rebounds, Jaron Pierre Jr. added 16 points and Kenny Pohto had 12 for Wichita State (15-14, 8-9).

The Shockers lost despite shooting 65% (24 of 37) from the field. They were worse at the foul line, making only 12 of 21 (57%).

Leading 37-35, Houston extended it to a 12-point lead on a dunk by Roberts, capping a 13-3 run with 13 1/2 minutes left.

Wichita State countered with an 8-0 burst to close within four on two free throws by James Rojas with 11 minutes left, but got no closer.

The Shockers scored 10 straight points to open a 22-14 lead midway through the first half. Houston led 33-31 at the break.

BIG PICTURE

Wichita State: The Shockers shot a season-high 72% (13 of 18) from the field in the first half. … Wichita State fell to 2-9 all-time against AP No. 1-ranked teams. … The Shockers were 12 of 21 on free throws.

Houston: The Cougars won their fourth straight over Wichita State. … Outrebounded the Shockers 26-23, including an 11-3 advantage in offensive boards.

UP NEXT

Wichita State: Hosts South Florida on Sunday in its regular-season finale.

Houston: Plays at Memphis on Sunday to end the regular season.

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AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25