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Another Blowout: Cougars Dismantle Texas A&M 88–57, Head Home for Sweet 16

Michael Esparza
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Another Blowout: Cougars Dismantle Texas A&M 88–57, Head Home for Sweet 16

Houston made it back-to-back 30-point tournament wins, running the Aggies off the floor in Oklahoma City to punch their seventh straight Sweet 16 ticket.

Two games into this NCAA Tournament, the University of Houston hasn’t just been winning. They’ve been sending a message.

Emanuel Sharp scored 18 points, Chris Cenac Jr. added 17 points and nine rebounds, and the Cougars rolled past Texas A&M 88–57 on Saturday afternoon at Paycom Center to advance to the Sweet 16 for the seventh consecutive year. Milos Uzan chipped in 15, and Mercy Miller came off the bench for 12 more in extended playing time. It was Houston’s second consecutive 30-point tournament win, making them the fourth team — and first since North Carolina in 2008 — to open March Madness with back-to-back margins of 30 or more.

At this point, it’s almost unfair.

Close Early, Then Gone

Give the Aggies credit — they came ready. Texas A&M jumped out to leads of 8–4 and 10–6 early, with guard Pop Isaacs and Rubén Dominguez connecting from three to keep things interesting. The game was tied at 24 with under eight minutes left in the half, and it looked for a moment like the Aggies’ grinding style might give Houston some trouble.

Then the Cougars turned the switch.

Houston went on a 21–4 run to close out the first half, fueled by 12 offensive rebounds and relentless second-chance scoring. Cenac was the engine of that run — physical, aggressive, and impossible to keep off the glass. The Cougars took a 46–28 lead at the break and never looked back.

To make matters worse for A&M, Houston forced the Aggies into a 6:25 scoring drought in the first half, missing 12 consecutive shots and watching the deficit balloon past the point of no return.

The Cougars’ Depth Shows Up

What made Saturday’s win particularly impressive was how many Cougars contributed. Sharp led the way with his 18 efficient points. Cenac was dominant in the paint. Uzan, the steady veteran, ran the offense without a hiccup. And with the game comfortably in hand in the second half, Miller stepped into extended minutes and delivered — 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists in 22 minutes of play.

Houston shot 44% from the field and, despite going just 8-of-31 from three, generated 16 more shot attempts than the Aggies through sheer physicality and effort on the offensive glass. This is what Sampson has built — a team that beats you in every phase, not just one.

“When you win a lot it’s because you have good players, and they’re pretty consistent with their effort and their discipline,” Sampson said after the game.

A&M Had No Answers Defensively

Texas A&M shot just 35% from the field and connected on only 6 of 24 three-point attempts. Houston’s defensive pressure was suffocating from the opening tip, and first-year Aggies coach Bucky McMillan — in his first NCAA Tournament as A&M’s head coach — had no adjustments that could slow the tide.

Reserve Josh Holloway led the Aggies with 12 points. Rashaun Agee, their leading scorer on the season, finished with just 7 points and three rebounds. It was a forgettable night for a team that had done a lot of good things this year.

“We knew we had to play a really good game,” McMillan said. That they did — for about 13 minutes. After that, it was all Houston.

Coming Home

The Cougars are heading to the Sweet 16, and they’re doing it in their own backyard. Houston will face either No. 3 seed Illinois or No. 11 seed VCU on Thursday at Toyota Center in downtown Houston — two miles from campus, in a city that has been counting down to this moment all season.

Seven straight Sweet 16s. The longest active streak in the country. A team that nobody wants to see in their bracket, in a building that will be rocking red and white from the opening tip.

“I don’t know that anything we did was out of the ordinary,” Sampson said. “We keyed on their shooters. We don’t turn the ball over, so you’re not contributing to your demise.”

Simple, efficient, dominant. That’s Houston basketball. The Sweet 16 is next.

A Royal Night at UH: Fashion, Cultura & Purpose Take Center Stage

Blanca Beltran-Robinson
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A Royal Night at UH: Fashion, Cultura & Purpose Take Center Stage

The UH Hispanic Alumni Network lit up the University of Houston’s Student Center South on February 7, 2026, as the annual UH Hispanic Alumni Fashion Show, presented by Commissioner Adrian Garcia – Precinct2gether, transformed the Houston Room into a vibrant celebration of elegance, heritage, and community impact, all in support of UH student scholarships.

This year’s theme, “A Royal Night,” honored a truth deeply rooted in Hispanic culture: royalty isn’t defined by crowns or titles, but by corazón – thecourage to uplift your people, strengthen your community, and lead with purpose. That message resonated throughout the evening, shining through every designer’s collection, every model’s presence, and every moment on the runway.

UH HAN Past President and Advisor Edward Carrizales captured that spirit perfectly, noting how the event showcased “alumni coming together to give back, supporting UH students through scholarships and opportunity.” His words rang true as guests participated in a lively blend of runway showcases, a bustling vendor market, and a silent auction filled with cultural treasures, each activity directly fueling UH HAN’s mission to empower future leaders.

Guiding the evening with style and corazón were co‑hosts Anthony Antoine of FOX 26 Houston and community advocate Humberto Martinez, founder of the award‑winning Space City Birria. Together, they formed the perfect duo, blending media talent and community leadership to elevate the event’s mission: celebrating cultura, inspiring service, and creating more opportunities for UH students to thrive.

The runway itself exploded with Latinx creativity, featuring bold, expressive collections by:

  • Rock’Em
  • Spicy Streetwear
  • Guaraxez
  • Jose Lopez
  • Miss Unique Dreams
  • Mysterious by NPN
The UH Hispanic Alumni Fashion show was co‑hosted by FOX 26 Houston’s Anthony Antoine and Community advocate and Space City Birria owner, Humberto Martinez.

From vibrant streetwear to high-fashion silhouettes, each designer honored tradition through a modern lens, creating a night of artistry and cultural pride.

UH HAN President Mayra Castillo emphasized the deeper impact behind the glamour, reflecting that “the true impact lies in the doors we are opening for students. This unity, energy, and generosity show what our community can accomplish together.” Her words were a powerful reminder of what the evening truly represents: community lifting community.

As a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit, UH HAN continues its commitment to supporting students who dream big and strive to lead. Thanks to the funds raised at this year’s Fashion Show, more young scholars will move closer to achieving their academic goals, ready to rise, lead, and reign with corazón.

Cuban Exiles in Miami See End of Communism as Island Faces Crisis

Que Onda Editorial
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Cuban Exiles in Miami See End of Communism as Island Faces Crisis

Widespread Unrest Hits Cuba

Cuba is experiencing growing unrest as widespread blackouts and a faltering economy strain the island. Last week, protesters ransacked a Communist Party headquarters, highlighting increasing public frustration after 67 years of single-party rule.

Nationwide power outages left roughly 10 million people without electricity, linked to fuel shortages and failing infrastructure. Economic hardships are compounded by threats of U.S. tariffs on countries supplying Cuba with oil.

Miami Community Reacts

Cuban exiles in Miami, particularly in Little Havana, are closely following the crisis. Residents like Jose Collazo and Francisco Botella expressed hope that change may be imminent, citing the courage of protesters and the precarious state of the government.

“I think this is the end for Cuba. Either the communist leaders leave, or what happened to Maduro will happen to them,” Botella said.

U.S. Leaders Weigh In

Former President Donald Trump and Senator Marco Rubio have commented on Cuba’s crisis, though Pentagon officials say there are no plans for a U.S. invasion. The discussion has fueled hope among the exile community for potential political change.

Pressure on Cuban Government

Despite blaming U.S. sanctions, Cuban authorities face mounting pressure as public dissatisfaction grows amid blackouts, shortages, and economic collapse. Observers say the current situation represents a turning point for the island, with protesters braving repression and international attention focused on Havana.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Learn about spring planting at Houston rodeo’s Agventure

Indira Zaldivar
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Learn about spring planting at Houston rodeo’s Agventure

Visitors to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo can learn more about agriculture and horticulture at Agventure, an educational exhibit inside NRG Center. The exhibit runs through March 22 and offers hands-on learning opportunities about farming, gardening and the environment.

At the exhibit, Harris County Master Gardener Ivonne Zaldivar shares tips with visitors about gardening, native plants and the importance of pollinators.

Native plants’ resiliency

“We just want people to help themselves get some information and educate themselves about all our native plants and what they can grow in their backyard,” Zaldivar said.

From left: Harris County Master Gardeners Jane Hughson Myers, Ivonne Zaldivar, Marilyn Lane, and Roslyn Allen inform on gardening to Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo visitors at NRG Center on March 6, 2026. Credit: Indira Zaldivar / Que Onda Magazine.

Ramirez explained that native plants are species naturally adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.

“Native plants are any plants that thrive in our environment,” she said. “Houston has a very harsh climate. We either have a very hot sun or a very tough winter. Our native plants usually thrive in our types of environments and our soils, and they always come back year after year.”

Because of their resilience, Ramirez said many native plants can be a good option for beginners, especially those interested in supporting pollinators.

Native plants for beginner gardeners

“Native plants for beginners — it depends on what you want to do,” she said. “If you want to try pollinators, I would go with some Turk’s cap, probably some Texas sage. There are other types of sage as well — maybe some primrose, some bluebonnets.”

Longhorns in a field of Texas native wildflower bluebonnets.

Several native flowering plants that grow well in the Houston area and attract pollinators include Turk’s cap, Texas sage, Texas lantana, evening primrose, Texas bluebonnets, firewheel or Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella), black-eyed Susans and purple coneflowers. These plants provide nectar and habitat for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Ramirez noted that many native plants are beginner-friendly because they often return year after year either on their own or through self-seeding.

“Perennial natives usually come back every year,” Zaldivar said. “You just have to basically prune them at the end of the season, and right in spring they usually come back.”

Yellow black-eyed susan and Indian blanket wildflowers are captured in this photo.

Supporting the vital role of pollinators

She also emphasized the vital role pollinators play in the ecosystem and food supply.

“Without our pollinators, we wouldn’t be able to grow any food,” she said. “They’re very small. We have the bees, we have the butterflies, we have moths, and I think we need to focus on all pollinators and not just one.”

In addition to native plants, other popular flowers that tend to perform well in Houston’s climate include zinnias, cosmos, lantana and salvia, which can add color to gardens while supporting pollinators.

For people preparing their gardens this spring, Ramirez said getting started can be simple.

Ready, set, and plant this spring

“What you can start doing is go to your local home garden,” she said. “Get your native plants, get some mulch, and just plant them in the ground right now.”

Agventure gives rodeo visitors a chance to connect with master gardeners while learning practical ways to support local ecosystems from their own backyards.

For more local resources on gardening visit Harris County Master Gardeners. Learn more about native plants on the Native Plant Society website.

For more green tips, follow alongside Que Onda Magazine.

‘The Bachelorette’ Season 22 Canceled Amid Controversy

Michael Esparza
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‘The Bachelorette’ Season 22 Canceled Amid Controversy

Disney Halts Season Ahead of Premiere

Disney Entertainment Television announced Thursday that it has canceled the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, which was set to premiere Sunday on ABC.

The decision follows the release of a resurfaced video involving reality TV personality Taylor Frankie Paul, who had been expected to star as the new lead.

Video and Past Arrest Surface

According to reports, the video from 2023 shows Paul throwing barstools at her then-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, while their child was present. The footage aligns with a previously reported domestic violence arrest and indictment from that same year.

Paul and Mortensen both appeared on the reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Statement Focuses on Family

In a statement, Disney said the decision was made “in light of the newly released video,” adding that its focus is on supporting the family involved.

It remains unclear if or when the season will be rescheduled or recast.

For more entertainment news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Loyola University Chicago Student Killed in Early Morning Shooting

Edward Saenz
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Loyola University Chicago Student Killed in Early Morning Shooting

18-Year-Old Shot Near Campus

An 18-year-old student at Loyola University Chicago was shot and killed while walking with friends near campus early Thursday, according to police.

The group was near Tobey Prinz Beach Park, less than a mile from the university’s Lake Shore campus, around 1:30 a.m. when an unknown man approached them, displayed a gun, and opened fire.

The victim, identified by her family as Sheridan Gorman, was shot in the head and died at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

Family Demands Justice

Gorman’s family described her as “the light of our lives,” remembering her kindness, faith, and deep love for family and friends. They are now calling for answers and accountability.

“We trusted that she would be safe. That trust was broken,” the family said in a statement, urging authorities to identify and arrest the suspect.

Campus Response

University President Mark Reed called the incident a “tragic loss” and said counseling services are being offered to students. Officials added there is no ongoing threat to campus at this time.

Gorman, originally from New York, was also remembered by her former school community as a “shining light” whose loss has deeply impacted those who knew her.

Investigation Ongoing

Police have not released details about the suspect, and the investigation remains active as the community mourns the loss of a young life.

For more on this tragic case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Action Star Chuck Norris Dies at 86

Indira Zaldivar
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Action Star Chuck Norris Dies at 86

Family Confirms Death, Requests Privacy

Legendary martial artist and actor Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family announced Friday.

In a statement shared on Instagram, his family said his death was sudden but peaceful, noting he was surrounded by loved ones. They did not disclose a cause of death and asked for privacy.

From Martial Arts Champion to Hollywood Icon

Born Carlos Ray Norris in Oklahoma in 1940, Norris served in the U.S. Air Force, where he began training in martial arts. He went on to become a six-time undefeated karate champion and founded his own martial arts system.

Norris rose to fame in Hollywood during the 1970s and 1980s, including a notable role alongside Bruce Lee in The Way of the Dragon. He later became a household name starring in the hit TV series Walker, Texas Ranger, which ran throughout the 1990s.

Lasting Legacy On and Off Screen

Norris continued acting into the 2010s, with one of his final major roles in The Expendables 2. Beyond film and television, he became a pop culture phenomenon through viral internet memes celebrating his toughness.

In 2010, he was named an honorary Texas Ranger by then-Gov. Rick Perry, further cementing his legacy in the state.

Remembered by Family and Fans

His family described him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who lived with faith and purpose.

“The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him,” the family said. “To him, you were not just fans—you were his friends.”

For the latest celebrity news and updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Immigration Judge Denies Asylum for 5-Year-Old Liam Ramos and Family

Indira Zaldivar
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Immigration Judge Denies Asylum for 5-Year-Old Liam Ramos and Family

Appeal Underway After High-Profile ICE Detention Case

An immigration judge has denied the asylum claims of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his family, according to their attorney, marking the latest development in a case that drew national attention in Minnesota.

Liam and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, an Ecuadorian national, were detained by federal immigration officers in Columbia Heights, a Minneapolis suburb, on Jan. 20. They were transferred to a detention center in Dilley, Texas, where they remained for 10 days before a judge ordered their release on Jan. 31.

Family’s Lawyers Challenge Ruling

Attorney Danielle Molliver said the family is appealing the decision issued by U.S. Immigration Judge John Burns. She said the appeals process could take months or even years. If the appeal fails, the family could be deported to Ecuador.

“We’re gravely disappointed,” Molliver said, adding that Liam and his father remain shaken by their detention. Liam has since returned to school in suburban Minneapolis.

The legal team argues the family deserves a full chance to present its asylum case. Attorney Paschal Nwokocha criticized what he described as a rushed effort to deport the family without proper court review.

Case Sparked Protests and Public Outcry

The arrests came during a wider immigration crackdown across the Minneapolis area, fueling protests and intense public scrutiny. Neighbors and school officials accused officers of using Liam to lure his mother outside the family’s home, a claim the Department of Homeland Security strongly denied.

Federal officials said Liam’s father entered the United States illegally in December 2024. His lawyers dispute that account, saying he entered legally while seeking asylum and is entitled to remain in the country while his case proceeds.

What’s Next

For now, Liam’s family remains in legal limbo as the appeal moves forward. The case continues to raise questions about immigration enforcement, due process, and the treatment of children in detention.

For more on the Ramos family case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Large building fire in Greenspoint area caused by tires behind business, HFD says

ABC13 Houston
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Large building fire in Greenspoint area caused by tires behind business, HFD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A building fire caused heavy smoke to billow into the air in the Greenspoint area on Thursday afternoon, SkyEye images showed.

Live at Five was on air as ABC13’s Don Armstrong was in SkyEye and spotted the thick smoke over the area.

The fire was later reported near the intersection of Meadowfern Drive and Northborough Drive.

The Houston Fire Department said tires behind a business at the location caught fire and spread to other businesses. They added that the Aldine Fire Department was assisting in the response.

HFD said there were no reports of any injuries.

Eyewitness News is gathering the facts on this developing story.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

HISD announces name change for Cesar Chavez holiday amid allegations of sexual assault

ABC13 Houston
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HISD announces name change for Cesar Chavez holiday amid allegations of sexual assault

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston ISD has announced it will no longer recognize “Cesar Chavez Day.”

Cesar Chavez, the late farmworker organizer who became a national civil rights icon and co-founded the United Farm Workers in 1962, is accused of abusing “young women or minors,” the union said in a statement on Tuesday.

At Thursday night’s board meeting, the district said students and staff would still get the day off, as planned on March 30th.

HISD said that the holiday will now be referred to as “Farmworkers Day.”

SEE ALSO: Houston’s Cesar Chavez march canceled as allegations of sexual assault surface, organizers confirm

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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