Houston Cougars end successful Big 12 debut season on bittersweet note in the Sweet 16

DALLAS, Texas (KTRK) -- The No. 1 Houston Cougars overcame the challenges of losing Terrence Arceneaux and Joseph Tugler to injuries during the regular season, but they had little time to acclimate to Jamal Shead's in the first half of their loss against the Duke Blue Devils on Friday.

The Big 12 regular season champions stayed competitive with the five-time national champions in Dallas, where a 54-51 loss derailed Houston's March Madness run.

The 6-foot-4-inch All-American, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and conference Player of the Year took an awkward step on a drive to the basket, rolled his right ankle, and went down in pain.

Shead left the game with 6:38 left in the first half, having to be helped off by two trainers.

The game broadcast reported before halftime that Shead was questionable to return. X-rays were negative for any extensive damage, and the team called it a severely spained ankle.

The broadcast stated that the door was open for a return, but he remained on the bench throughout the second half.

Houston's defense still forced 14 Duke turnovers.

This marks the second straight Sweet Sixteen exit for the program.

More coverage on UH's March Madness run

• UH complimentary of confident Duke Blue Devils ahead of Sweet 16
• Jamal Shead's viral gesture after UH loss reemerges amid March Madness
• UH March Madness roundup: How to get Sweet 16 tickets, and No. 1 Coogs' tribute to Reggie Chaney
• No. 1 Houston survives OT thriller vs. A&M, heads to Sweet 16
• How message of UH guard Shead's parents impacted program
• No. 1 Houston Cougars have their way with No. 16 Longwood as Ramon Walker Jr. returns
• Coogs freshman developed affinity for teammate during NCAA Tournament
• No. 1 UH faces upset-minded Longwood Lancers, whose coach and 3 players have Houston ties
• Texas Longhorns advance, Texas Tech Red Raiders eliminated in 1st round
• UH wants the 'homecourt advantage' in Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight set for Dallas
• Houston Cougars guard Jamal Shead earns All-America 1st-Team honor ahead of 2024 March Madness
• Drake surprises UH basketball stars during March Madness watch party
• Where did No. 1 Houston Cougars and other Texas schools end up in March Madness?