In the first quarter, senior forward Dorian Branch and sophomore guard Dymond Gladney led the way for the Cougars with 3-pointers.
Houston came out forcing turnovers and lighting it up with shooting 6 of 12 from behind the arc.
Syracuse responded with consistent points in the paint, which led to a score of 23-26 after the first.
In the second quarter, the Cougars tried to regain the lead by pressuring Syracuse on the defensive end.
Although it led to 6 turnovers which turned into 10 points in transition for Houston, Syracuse would remain consistent on the offensive end.