HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Houston Cougars, riding high after a statement win over Florida State, look to continue their dominant start when they host the struggling Jackson State Tigers at Hofheinz Pavilion on Wednesday night. Houston (8-1) has established itself as a national contender early, with its only loss a narrow 76-73 defeat to then-Tennessee. The Cougars are coming off an 82-67 victory over the Seminoles on Saturday, where their defense forced 18 turnovers. Guard Kingston Flemings has been a catalyst, averaging 17.6 points and 5.2 assists per game. He scored 21 points with five assists against Florida State, following a 25-point outing in the loss to Tennessee. Jackson State (1-7) faces a daunting task, continuing a brutal non-conference road slate. The Tigers’ lone win came at Louisiana-Lafayette, 51-45, on Nov. 28. They are allowing 89.4 points per game against high-major competition. Guard Daeshun Ruffin provides the offensive spark, averaging 14.8 points. He erupted for 28 points and five assists in a 73-88 loss at Kennesaw State on Dec. 2, but the Tigers have lost by an average of 36 points in their other six defeats. The matchup pits Houston’s elite defense, which ranks among the nation’s best in scoring defense and forced turnovers, against a Jackson State offense that has struggled with consistency and ball security. The Cougars have won all eight home games this season by an average of 25.6 points. For Jackson State, containing Flemings and weathering Houston’s relentless defensive pressure will be the primary challenge. Houston aims to avoid a letdown before a weekend meeting with New Orleans and a neutral-site clash with Arkansas. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.