Houston absolutely dismantled Idaho in a first-round NCAA Tournament blowout at Paycom Center. The Cougars came out firing with relentless offensive bursts—including consecutive 12-0 and 12-2 runs in the opening period that set the tone early. Houston's defense was suffocating, forcing the Vandals into a brutal 46-play scoring drought in the first half alone. By the time the dust settled, the Cougars had built an insurmountable 33-point lead and cruised to a 78-47 rout. Idaho never found their rhythm offensively, struggling through multiple extended droughts including a 43-play drought in the second period. Houston's dominant performance covered the 23.5-point spread with ease, controlling nearly every possession and never allowing the Vandals back into the game. This was the No. 2 seed showing exactly why they belong in the tournament.