HOUSTON (AP) Ja'Vier Francis scored 14 points, star Marcus Sasser had 12 points in the first eight minutes before leaving with a cut over his eye, and top-ranked Houston coasted to a 76-42 win over North Florida on Tuesday night.

Sasser, who entered the game averaging 17.5 points, made two 3-pointers early as the Cougars scored the first eight points of the game. He continued his hot start and scored 12 points as Houston (9-0) built a 24-13 lead with about 12 minutes left in the first half. But, he got hit in the face soon after and left the game with the cut above his left eye.

A school spokesman said he received stitches for the cut and was questionable to return. But, he didn't come back with the Cougars holding a huge lead for the rest of the night.