HOUSTON — The Houston Cougars commenced their basketball season on a high note, defeating Jackson State with an impressive score of 97-40 on Monday night. L.J. Cryer led the scoring for Houston with 16 points, while Mylik Wilson contributed 15 points off the bench. J’Wan Roberts added 14 points and grabbed six rebounds, whereas Ramon Walker Jr. scored 10 points. Milos Uzan, a recent transfer from Oklahoma, made a notable impact by recording eight points, seven rebounds, and a remarkable 10 assists. The Cougars showcased their offensive proficiency, shooting 58% from the field, and demonstrated their long-range capabilities by sinking 12 of 20 attempts from beyond the arc.
Houston’s victory not only marked their impressive season opener but also extended their active home winning streak to 23 games, the longest in the nation.
For Jackson State, Jalen Tatum was the standout performer, scoring 14 points, though the team struggled to find their rhythm, finishing the night with a shooting percentage of just 28%. The Tigers faced an uphill battle against the Cougars’ size and athleticism right from the outset. Additionally, they compounded their difficulties with self-inflicted issues, including a technical foul incurred for having six players on the court during the first half.
Depth had been a concern for Houston last season, but early indications suggest it may become a strength this year. Terrance Arceneaux made his return from a torn Achilles, contributing seven points, while Joseph Tugler, whose freshman campaign was cut short due to a foot injury, made a comeback with five points and seven rebounds.
A significant moment in the game came when the Cougars executed an 18-1 scoring run, allowing them to establish a commanding 21-3 lead in the first half. At halftime, Houston had a comfortable 52-13 lead, shooting 60% from the floor, including an astonishing 8 of 10 on three-point attempts.
A key statistic from the matchup was Houston’s robust defensive effort, forcing 20 turnovers and converting them into a 35-4 advantage in points scored off those turnovers.
Looking ahead, Houston is set to host No. 11 Auburn as part of the Battleground 2k24 Classic on Saturday. Meanwhile, Jackson State will make their way to High Point for their next game.