No. 6 Houston takes control in first half, zooms by Stetson

Field Level Media|published: Mon 13th November, 22:19 2023

Nov 13, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars guard Jamal Shead (1) controls the ball as Stetson Hatters guard Jalen Blackmon (5) defends during the first half at Fertitta Center. credits: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

L.J. Cryer and Damian Dunn combined for 36 points and sixth-ranked Houston turned two decisive first-half runs into a 79-48 win over visiting Stetson on Monday night.

Cryer, a Baylor transfer, scored 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting while Dunn, a Temple transfer, added 15 points to co-author the blowout victory for the Cougars (3-0). That duo shot 5 of 7 from behind the arc in the first half as Houston seized a 22-point lead by the break.

Mylik Wilson chipped in 11 points while Jamal Shead dished out eight assists for the Cougars, who forced 23 turnovers and parlayed 13 offensive boards into a plus-16 advantage in shot attempts. Houston did most of its damage during two stretches prior to the intermission.

The Cougars were undeterred by a 4-for-15 shooting start by the 12-minute media timeout as they turned a 17-0 run into a 19-6 lead. Dunn hit all three of his 3-pointers during that rally while Cryer converted from deep once as the Hatters (1-2) endured a scoreless drought of eight-plus minutes.

Stetson freshman guard Tristan Gross snapped the Cougars' run with a 3-pointer at the 8:53 mark of the first half, and when he sank another trey with 6:07 remaining, Stetson trailed 21-14.

Houston responded with a 14-0 run that put the game out of reach.

Ja'Vier Francis and Terrance Arceneaux had dunks during the second burst while Cryer added a pair of jumpers and Wilson contributed two layups. Alec Oglesby ended the visitors' scoring drought with two free throws with 54 seconds left, but Stetson entered the break without a field goal over the final 6:06.

The Hatters committed 17 first-half turnovers that Houston converted into 27 points. The Cougars secured nine offensive rebounds prior to the break to offset their early wayward shooting. Arceneaux made a floater with 15:20 left to play that extended the Houston lead to 47-16 as the Hatters opened the second half by missing their first six shot attempts.

Jalen Blackmon and Oglesby scored 11 points apiece to pace Stetson.

—Field Level Media