Hinton Leads Houston to Victory in Conference Opener

HOUSTON – University of Houston sophomore guard Nate Hinton posted 20 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Cougars to a 78-63 win over UCF in their American Athletic Conference opener inside the Fertitta Center on Friday evening.

Hinton connected on 7-of-12 shots from the field, including 3-of-6 from behind the arc, to record his team-leading sixth double-double of the season and the seventh of his career. He also posted a career-high five steals in front of the sellout crowd.

The Gastonia, N.C., native enjoyed his third 20-point game of the season and set a Fertitta Center record with his rebounding total. He topped his own previous record of 15 boards against Houston Baptist on Nov. 26.

Houston outrebounded the Knights 45-41 – the 14^th straight game to accomplish that feat – and held UCF to only 26.7 percent (8-of-30) shooting in the second half.

The two teams went back and forth early before the Cougars took a 37-33 lead by halftime. The teams traded buckets to start the second half before UCF moved to within 44-42 on Frank Bertz' layup with 16:17 left in the game.

Fortunately, the Cougars used a 15-4 run over the next 5:12 to build a 59-46 advantage and were never threated again. Hinton led the way with six points, while junior guard DeJon Jarreau added six points of his own from the free throw line.

Junior forward Fabian White, who named The American's Player of the Week on Monday, finished with 13 points and four rebounds while Jarreau added 12 points with six rebounds and four assists. Sophomore guard Quentin Grimes totaled 10 points and tied with Jarreau for team-high honors with four assists.

Dazon Ingram led UCF with 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds with six assists. Collin Smith totaled 11 points with a team-high 11 rebounds, and Ceasar DeJesus totaled 10 points in the loss.

UP NEXT
• Following Friday's game, Cougars hit the road to take on Temple at 6 p.m. (CST), Tuesday, inside the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.
• Game can be seen on CBS Sports Network and heard on KPRC 950 AM.
• From there, Houston continues its road swing when it takes on Tulsa at 3 p.m., Jan. 11, inside the Reynolds Center in Tulsa, Okla.
• Game will be shown on ESPN or ESPN2 and can be heard on KPRC 950 AM.
• Houston returns to the Fertitta Center to play host to SMU at 8 p.m., Jan. 15.
• Game can be seen on CBS Sports Network and heard on KPRC 950 AM.

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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.

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