Top-ranked Houston grinds out 53-48 win over Saint Mary's

Houston guard Tramon Mark (12) attempts to get through the defense of Saint Mary's guard Alex Ducas (44) and center Mitchell Saxen (11) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Emil Lippe)

Houston guard Marcus Sasser (0) gestures after assisting on a 3-point shot by guard Jamal Shead during the first half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Saint Mary's in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Emil Lippe)

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson speaks to an official after a play during the first half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Saint Mary's in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Emil Lippe)

Saint Mary's guard Aidan Mahaney (20) drives against Houston forward Jarace Walker (25) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Emil Lippe)

Houston guard Marcus Sasser (0) and forward Reggie Chaney (32) defend against Saint Mary's guard Aidan Mahaney (20) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Emil Lippe)

Houston guard Marcus Sasser scores against Saint Mary's during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Emil Lippe)