HOUSTON -- Oliver Lafayette continued to be a bad
sign for Top-25 teams.
Lafayette scored 20 of his 28 points in the second half as
Houston captured its second straight win over a ranked opponent,
a 69-65 upset over No. 13 Arizona.
Coming off an 84-83 triumph over No. 25 LSU on Tuesday, the
Cougars (3-1) took advantage of the absence of Hassan Adams and
Chris Rodgers from the Wildcats' starting lineup to jump out to
a formidable lead, scoring 24 of the first 30 points.
"It's been a long time around here," said Tom Penders, who was
doused with water after the game. "This program has arrived.
There is more than one good team in Conference USA."
The two players were benched by Arizona coach Lute Olson after
arriving late for the team's pre-game meal.
Lafayette, who scored 27 of his 32 points in the second half in
the win over the Tigers, had another slow start but picked it up
when his team needed it the most.
With Arizona trailing, 68-62, late in the second half, Ivan
Radenovic hit a 3-pointer with 9.9 seconds remaining. But
Lafayette was fouled on the ensuing inbounds pass and split a
pair of free throws before he stole the rebound from an Arizona
player to seal the victory.
Lafayette had another sizzling performance, finishing 10-of-18
from the field with seven 3-pointers. He has made at least five
3-pointers in three of his four games this season.
Lafayette sank his final 3-pointer for a 59-44 edge with 5:57 to
play. With the Wildcats rallying, he had a steal and fed
Jahmar Thorpe for a resounding dunk and a 68-62 lead with 24
seconds to play.
"(Lafayette) keeps moving without the basketball," Penders said.
"The best shooters move well without the ball."
Houston, which beat ranked opponents in consecutive games for
the first time since the 1984 NCAA regionals, shot 48 percent
(26-of-54) from the floor and collected 17 steals.
Hassan Adams scored 21 points and Radenovic 12 for the Wildcats
(2-3), who trailed the entire contest.