3 Takeaways from No. 3 Houston's Win Over Notre Dame

The Cougars rebounded nicely after their first loss of the season. Here are three takeaways from Houston's seventh win of the year.

Nov 25, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) goes for a layup in a 2025 Players Era Festival group play game against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

After suffering their first loss of the season to No. 17-ranked Tennessee, the No. 3 Houston Cougars took care of business by beating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 66-56.

For the Cougars, it was a dominant day defensively as they allowed fewer than 60 points for the fifth time this season. The Fighting Irish shot just 34 percent from the field, including a 21 percent mark from the three-point line.

While Houston found success on the defensive side of things, their offense definitely left something to be desired. In fact, the Cougars had an eerily similar level of success on offense as well. The Cougars shot just 34 percent from the field and just 30 percent from three.

A Veteran Rebounds Nicely for the Cougars

Nov 24, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) dribbles downcourt during the first half against the Syracuse Orange of a 2025 Players Era Festival group play game at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Against the Volunteers on Tuesday, Emanuel Sharp had a quiet night offensively with only eight points. The veteran guard shot just 3 for 8 from the field, along with a pair of three-pointers. There's no debate that Houston needs Sharp to play a bigger role on offense if this team is truly going to be elite.

Against the Fighting Irish only a day later, Sharp did exactly what veterans are supposed to do. Perform at a high level after not getting too many opportunities. With 17 points against Notre Dame on Wednesday, Sharp totaled 15 or more points for the fifth time this season.

While the Houston offense doesn't necessarily need to run through Sharp going forward, giving the guard the chance to find some rhythm early could prove beneficial when the Cougars take on tougher opponents.

A Rough Night for Houston's Freshmen

Nov 24, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) attempts a three-point basket over Syracuse Orange forward Sadiq White Jr. (0) during the first half of a 2025 Players Era Festival group play game at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Both Kingston Flemings and Chris Cenac Jr. have been some of the biggest contributors for the Cougars this season. Against the Fighting Irish on Wednesday, the two freshmen combined for just five points. For the first time this season, Flemings was held to just a single point all game.

While Flemings might not have been the focal point of the Cougars' offense, the true freshman was still contributing in other ways. With a team-leading five assists, along with five rebounds, the San Antonio, Texas native was finding ways to impact the game in a positive way.

Outscored in the Second Half...Again

Nov 16, 2025; Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson paces the sideline during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Legacy Arena at BJCC. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images | David Leong-Imagn Images

One thing that the Houston Cougars struggle with is finishing games. While it wasn't something that decided the game's outcome, Notre Dame outscored Houston 31-27 in the second half. Kelvin Sampson's squad has also been outscored in the second period for the third straight time this season.

While Houston has faced better opponents recently, this can't be a trend that lingers when Big 12 conference play begins. While the Cougars are still one of the most talented teams in the conference, other programs like Kansas, BYU, and Arizona are teams that have an identity built on dominating late in games.