By ADAM ZAGORIA
Houston, you have a problem.
In the first-ever AP Top 10 matchup on its home court, the No. 1-ranked Cougars were stunned by No. 8 Alabama, 71-55, on Saturday afternoon.
It was Alabama’s second win over the No. 1 team this season after they beat North Carolina, 103-101 in overtime, Nov. 27 at the PK Invitational.
“Huge program win,” Tide coach Nate Oats told reporters. “Not sure how many teams get the chance to play two No. 1 teams in non-conference play, let alone beat them.”
With Kelvin Sampson’s group falling from the ranks of the unbeaten — and No. 2 Texas losing to No. 17 Illinois in the Jimmy V Classic on Thursday — there will be a new No. 1 on Monday.
No. 3 Virginia (8-0) is one team in position to be the new No. 1, as are No. 4 Purdue (10-0) and No. 5 UConn (11-0). North Carolina started the season at No. 1 but was replaced by Houston, when the No. 2 Cougars moved up in the Nov. 28 poll. The Tar Heels had lost four straight before beating Georgia Tech, 75-59, Saturday.
Ironically, No. 1 Houston visits No. 3 Virginia Dec. 17.
Alabama outscored Houston 44-34 in the second half and got 14 from Noah Clowney, who put the Tide up 65-63 with 1:17 remaining. Jaden Bradley added 12 and Mark SEars 11.
NOAH FOR THE LEAD!
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) December 10, 2022
📺: https://t.co/HG8bKRxZMi#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/zHqqlH8ZFP
Jamal Shead led Houston with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, including a vicious dunk in the first half.
It marked the second straight year Alabama beat Houston following an 83-82 home win a year ago.
How about this dunk by 6-foor-1 Jamal Shead of No. 1 @UHCougarMBK ?#SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/gM9nHKvR4I
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) December 10, 2022
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