Cougars Caught by Crimson Tide Undertow

The University of Houston Cougars fell to the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Firtitta Center in front of a record sell out crowd. Coach Kelvin Sampson’s number one team in the nation could not hold on to a 15-point second half lead as the Tide chipped away to ultimately take the lead and win by a score of 71-65. This was the first time a UH team was involved in a top ten matchup on their home court. (Photos by Jack Gorman)

Marcus Sasser (0) shoots against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Paul Wall and Lauren Leal pose at the Fertitta Center.
Ja’Vier Francis (5) drives toward the basket.
Ramon Walker, Jr. screams after hitting a big shot against Alabama.
Cougar fans line up outside of the Fertitta Center for the matchup with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Noah Gurley (4) dribbles through the Cougar defense.
Jarace Walker (25) runs down the court on a fast break.
Cougar fans pose at the Fertitta Center.
Jahvon Quinerly (5) smiles as he passes the ball agains the Cougar defense.
Cougar fans gather for pregame rooftop tailgate.
Alabama’s Noah Clowney (15) fouls Reggie Chaney (32) at the Firtitta Center.
Kelvin Sampson screams during the matchup with Alabama.
Cougar Ramon Walker, Jr. gets tripped up and runs into a Crimson Tide player.
Cougar cheerleaders excite the sold out Fertitta Center crowd.
Jarace Walker (25) shoots over Noah Gurley (4) at the Fertitta Center.
Reggie Chaney (32) blocks out during free throw attempts.
Cougar fans enjoy pregame tailgate in the parking garage.
A Cougar cheerleader excites the Fertitta Center crowd.
J’wan Roberts (13) blocks a shot by an Alabama Crimson Tide player.
A UH student reads during Alabama player introductions.
Charles Bediako (14) attempts to block Ja’Vier Francis’ (5) shot.
The UH Cougar Dolls excite the sold-out crowd at the Fertitta Center.
Reggie Chaney (32) dunks the ball on the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Cougar Tramon Mark (12) attempts to shoot around Charles Bediako (14).
J’wan Roberts screams after a slamming the ball home.
UH Cougar Doll excites the Fertitta Center crowd.
Cougar fans get excited for the game against Alabama.
Ramon Walker, Jr. (3) gets fouled by Alabama’s Mark Sears (1).
Cougar fans gather for pregame rooftop tailgate.
Alabama’s Mark Sears (1) drives toward the basket at the Fertitta Center.
Chris Pezman, Tilman Fertitta, Jalen Green and Kenyon Martin, Jr. take in the Houston Cougar basketball game.
Jamal Shead (1) grabs a loose ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Kelvin Sampson motivates his players against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Jamal Shead (1) drives toward the basket against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Jaden Bradley (0) dunks the ball against the Houston Cougars.
Cougar cheerleaders excite the sold out Fertitta Center crowd.