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University of Houston
Drexel
Houston Falls Short at Paradise Jam
11/17/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
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LYNCHBURG, Va. - University of Houston senior guard Rob Gray poured in a career-high 37 points, but it would not be quite enough as Drexel rallied late to take an 84-80 win over the Cougars in the First Round of the Paradise Jam inside the Vines Center on Friday afternoon.
Gray made his season debut against the Dragons after sitting out the season opener against McNeese on Nov. 10 with a 1-game suspension from the NCAA for playing in a church recreation league game during the off-season.
The Forest City, N.C., native wasted little time in showing why he was a Preseason All-American Athletic Conference performer. By the end of the first half, Gray had posted 23 points for his 33rd straight game with 10+ points and the 26th 20-point game of his outstanding career.
Gray finished with 37 points on 13-of-21 shooting, including 5-of-8 from behind the 3-point line, and added six rebounds with four assists and a steal with no turnovers in 37 minutes.
Houston held a 45-38 lead at halftime and built a 76-71 lead when senior forward Devin Davis banked in a layup with just over three minutes remaining.
Unfortunately, Drexel scored the next six points during the following 1:13 and took a 77-76 lead when Troy Harper converted a pair of free throws.
The Cougars regained the advantage following Gray's layup with 1:52 remaining, but Drexel's Kurk Lee answered with a layup of his own with 1:21 left.
On the ensuing possession, Gray buried a jumper with just over a minute left on the clock to give the Cougars an 80-79 lead. Lee drove the lane on Drexel's next possession, but the shot was blocked by Davis. Houston raced up the floor, but Davis was whistled for a charge with 39 seconds to go.
Following a Drexel timeout, Sammy Mojica sank a 3-pointer from the left wing to give the Dragons the lead for good. Harper connected on two more free throws in the final seven seconds to ice the victory.
Drexel took advantage of 24 Houston fouls to convert 27-of-31 attempts from the free throw line. The Cougars sank only 11 free throws in the game.
Davis finished with 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Cougars. Senior forward Nura Zanna totaled seven points with a team-high nine points.
Drexel's Tramaine Isabell came off the bench to lead the Dragons with 21 points, 16 rebounds and three assists. Lee finished with 16 points, while Mojica added 15 points. Harper finished with 11 points, thanks to a 9-of-9 effort from the free throw line.
UP NEXT
The Cougars now face host Liberty at 11 a.m., in the Paradise Jam consolation bracket. The Flames dropped a 63-48 decision to Mercer earlier Friday.
Fans can watch the game on FloHoops.com with Trevor Williams calling the play-by-play action and Andy Katz providing analysis. Fans also can see the game by visiting FloHoops.com and following the appropriate links or by clicking here. A subscription fee is required to watch the game on FloHoops.com.
Fans can hear Saturday's game live on 950 AM KPRC with Jeremy Branham calling the play-by-play action. Fans also can hear the game online by visiting UHCougars.com/allaccess and following the appropriate links or by clicking here.
BUY TICKETS
Season tickets for 15 regular-season games inside H&PE Arena on the campus of Texas Southern begin as low as $100. Fans can purchase season tickets online at UHCougars.com/tickets or by calling the Athletics Ticket Office at 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647).
JOIN the 50-50 CLUB
Fans are invited to join the 50-50 Club to support Houston Men's Basketball. 50-50 Club members help fund program necessities and enhance the experience for our student-athletes.
Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered team apparel, a signed basketball, invitations to practice, a tour of the $25 million Guy V. Lewis Development Facility, regular updates about the program and much more.
To join the 50-50 Club, fans can call 713-743-9742 or email UHMensBasketball@uh.edu. For more information about the 50-50 Club, levels of giving and benefits, fans can click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook and Instagram pages.
