Houston’s Inside Game Powers Win Over California

Dedan Thomas Jr. scored 20 points and Joseph Tugler added 16 as Houston defeated California 86-68 on November 8 at the inaugural Caesars Lake Tahoe Classic in Stateline, Nevada. The No. 10 Cougars improved to 2-0, while the Golden Bears fell to 2-1.

Houston shot 52% from the field and scored 50 points in the paint, compared with 24 for California. The Cougars also turned 16 turnovers into 22 points and collected 14 steals and seven blocks. Tugler recorded four blocks, and Delrecco Gillespie had 13 points and eight rebounds.

California never led. Houston went into halftime ahead 43-32 and stretched the margin to 23 in the second half. The Bears rallied to get within seven during the first half and later used a 14-4 run to narrow the gap to 13, but Houston kept a double-digit lead through the finish.

Cooper paced the Bears with 19 points and sank five shots from beyond the arc, while Jordan Ross added 15 points and five assists. Houston held the Bears to 44% shooting overall. California coach Mark Madsen said the team’s transition defense and work on the offensive glass were poor early, adding that the players could correct some of the mistakes.

Houston hosts Jacksonville State on Wednesday. California returns home Wednesday to face No. 21 Southern California.