Houston’s basketball season started with an impressive victory as they defeated Jackson State 97-40. L.J. Cryer led the scoring with 16 points, with Mylik Wilson contributing 15 points off the bench. J’Wan Roberts and Ramon Walker Jr. also played crucial roles in the win, scoring 14 and 10 points respectively. Milos Uzan, a transfer from Oklahoma, showcased his skills with eight points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists.
The Cougars displayed their dominance by shooting 58% from the field, including an impressive 60% in the first half. They also excelled from beyond the arc, making 12 of 20 shots from 3-point range. Their defensive pressure was evident as they forced 20 turnovers and capitalized on them, outscoring Jackson State 35-4 in points off turnovers.
Houston’s depth was highlighted in this game, with players like Terrance Arceneaux and Joseph Tugler making impactful contributions. Arceneaux, returning from a torn Achilles, scored seven points, while Tugler, whose freshman season was cut short by a foot injury, added five points and seven rebounds.
Despite the loss, Jackson State showed resilience against a tough Houston team. Jalen Tatum led the Tigers with 14 points, but their struggles with Houston’s size and athleticism were apparent throughout the game. Additionally, they faced challenges with self-inflicted issues, such as a technical foul for having six men on the court in the first half.
Looking ahead, Houston will face a tough matchup against No. 11 Auburn in the Battleground 2k24 Classic, while Jackson State will travel to High Point. The Cougars will aim to continue their winning streak and build on their strong start to the season.
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