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University of Houston
11-2
Texas State
9-3
Men's Hoops Rolls PastTexas State on Wednesday
12/22/2021 3:26:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Graduate forward Josh Carlton leads all with 20 pts; Jamal Shead with first double-double of season
HOUSTON (AP) – University of Houston graduate forward Josh Carlton scored a season-high 20 points, senior guard Kyler Edwards added 14 and No. 13 Houston defeated Texas State 80-47 on Wednesday night inside the Fertitta Center.
Junior guard Marcus Sasser had 13 points, and sophomore point guard Jamal Shead finished with 12 points and 10 assists for Houston for his first double-double of the season and the econd of his career. The Cougars shot 55%, including 13 of 28 on 3-pointers, in winning for the seventh time in eight games.
Houston Head Coach Kelvin Sampson said the game plan was to use Carlton's size in the low post and take advantage of the mismatch.
''Our best player is Marcus,'' Sampson said. ''We are going to play through Marcus. We're going to play through Josh. And then, in the open court, we don't set traditional screens for Jamal. I thought our screening angles were really good. Our details were really good. Our discipline was good.''
Houston, which has won 33 straight home games, outrebounded the Bobcats 31-26 and held a 36-16 advantage in the paint.
''These kinds of games is what our culture is all about,'' Sampson said. ''We get these games before Christmas, the kids are looking forward to the break and they don't focus on taking care of business or the matter at hand. . I just loved the way we prepared Monday and Tuesday. We had a great film session last night. We had tremendous prep today.''
Shelby Adams scored 10 points, Nighael Ceaser added nine and Isiah Small had eight for Texas State (9-3), which had won eight in a row. The Bobcats shot 40% and were held to a season low in points.
''Certainly, them with their size disrupted our flow, and then, we haven't traditionally shot the ball well here in recent years,'' Texas State coach Terrence Johnson said. ''Tonight was no different.''
Houston, which never trailed, used a 17-2 run over a five-minute span of the first half to take a 29-10 lead on a 3-pointer by Shead with eight minutes left. Shead and Sasser each had six points in the spurt.
Houston led 45-22 at halftime behind 14 points from Carlton.
''When you play against a team like Houston, physicality is going to weigh on you a little bit,'' Johnson said. ''We tried to come out and be a little bit aggressive. They did a really good job of making adjustments. One of the key components of the game was their ability to score the ball on the low block early on, and that opened up 3-pointers.''
BIG PICTURE
Texas State: The Bobcats could not match up with Houston's size and presence in the paint. Texas State came out fast in both halves but could not maintain the pace. . The Bobcats got 21 points from their bench.
Houston: The Cougars won their fourth straight over Texas State and improved to 10-0 in Houston against the Bobcats. . Houston forced Texas State into 19 turnovers, which the Cougars turned into 23 points. Houston committed eight turnovers. . Edwards left midway through the second half with a sprained ankle, Sampson said.
MARK HAS SURGERY
Houston sophomore guard Tramon Mark underwent left shoulder surgery and will sit out the remainder of the season as he recovers, the school announced. Mark, who has been a key reserve for the Cougars, averaged 10 points in seven games this season.
• Following Wednesday's game, Houston will take a near-week-long break from competition.
• Houston then opens American Athletic Conference play when it takes on Cincinnati at 7 p.m., Tuesday, inside the Fertitta Center. That game can be seen on ESPN2.
• From there, the Cougars hit the road for a pair contests, starting at 4 p.m. (CST), Jan. 2, vs. Temple inside the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia. That game will air on ESPN2.
• The road swing continues at South Florida at 6 p.m. (CST), Jan. 6, inside the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Fla. That game will air on ESPN+.
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC.
BUY 2021-22 TICKETS
While Wednesday's game against Texas State has sold out, fans may still buy tickets to the Cougars' remaining home games.
To purchase single-game tickets, fans may click here anytime or call 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) during regular business hours.
2022-23 SEASON TICKETS PRIORITY WAIT LIST
Fans who were unable to secure 2021-22 season tickets may start preparing for next season by putting down a $75 deposit and placing their names on the 2022-23 Men's Basketball Season Ticket Priority Wait List by clicking here.
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 Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.
For more information or to sign up, fans may visit uhcougars.com/5050club or click here. To join the 50-50 Club, fans may call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4687).
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