Kingston Flemings led Houston with 18 points, while Emanuel Sharp added 16.
Chris Cenac Jr. had a career-high 18 rebounds for Houston.
Kolton Mitchell scored 14 points for Idaho, making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1990.
Houston outscored Idaho 41-14 over a 15-minute stretch in the first half, leading to a 48-24 halftime lead.
Houston shot 50% from the field and 53% from beyond the arc, outrebounding Idaho 47-32.
The Houston Cougars demonstrated their determination to return to the national stage after a painful loss in the previous year's championship game. Facing the Idaho Vandals, Houston's defense and offense worked in tandem to establish a commanding lead. Kingston Flemings, with 18 points, and Emanuel Sharp, with 16, spearheaded the attack, while Chris Cenac Jr. dominated the boards with 18 rebounds. Idaho, making their first tournament appearance in over three decades, struggled against Houston's stifling defense and efficient shooting. Coach Kelvin Sampson's experience against Idaho from his time at Washington State added a layer of familiarity to the matchup. The Cougars will advance to play Texas A&M in the second round.
Q: Who led the Houston Cougars in scoring?
Kingston Flemings led the Cougars with 18 points.
Q: How many rebounds did Chris Cenac Jr. have?
Chris Cenac Jr. had a career-high 18 rebounds.
Q: What was Idaho's shooting percentage?
Idaho shot 28.6% from the field (16-56).
The Houston Cougars displayed a strong performance, fueled by the motivation from last year's championship loss.
Kingston Flemings and Chris Cenac Jr. had standout performances, leading the team in scoring and rebounding, respectively.
Idaho's return to the NCAA Tournament after 30+ years ended with a loss to a dominant Houston team.
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