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University of Houston
17-2, 11-2AAC
USF
7-6, 3-4AAC
Grimes scores 29 points, No. 8 Houston beats USF
2/10/2021 9:15:00 PM | Men's Basketball
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – University of Houston junior guard Quentin Grimes had 29 points, and the seventh-ranked Cougars beat USF 82-65 on Wednesday night, spoiling the Bulls' first game in 32 days because of coronavirus interruptions.
Tied at 25 at the eight-minute mark, the Cougars (17-2, 11-2 American Athletic) shot 58% in the first half and led 43-35 at halftime.
''We've seen Quentin get into these grooves and we know to just let him go,'' Houston Coach Kelvin Sampson said. ''Our guys know to feed a guy if he's feeling it. That was fun to watch. It was really good basketball.''
Senior guard DeJon Jarreau scored 13 of his 17 points in the first half and also had eight assists.
''The key to playing good on the road is point guard play and DeJon was doing a great job of finding Quentin,'' Sampson said. ''Marcus (Sasser) didn't shoot well tonight, but he had seven assists and no turnovers.''
Houston pushed the pace in the second half and outscored USF 29-8 in the first 9:18 of the half to take a 72-44 lead. USF (7-6, 3-4) got as close at 76-61 with 6:01 remaining, but did not hit another field goal.
''I didn't think our defense in the first ten minutes was where we needed it to be, but coming out for the second half from tip to 12 minutes we were able to create a lot,'' Sampson said. ''We wanted to create opportunities and we had 21 fast break points
Senior forward Justin Gorham added 11 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars but saw his streak of double-digit rebounding games end at nine. It was the longest streak since Houston legend Hakeem Olajuwon reeled off 15 straight games during the 1982-83 and 1983-84 seasons.
David Collins led USF with 18 points and five rebounds. Michael Durr had 14 points and seven rebounds.
''We need some practice time to work on our execution and timing on offense,'' USF coach Brian Gregory said. ''Such rapid games, such limited time because of everything being condensed. We've got to take 4-5 things from today and emphasize those to work on.''
GET ON THE GOOD FOOT
Grimes had been dealing with an ankle injury over the past couple of games, but said he regained confidence in his health after a couple of good practices.
'''It was in the back of (my) mind,'' Grimes said. ''I like to get lift on my jump shots and I think in the past two days I finally felt like I was back at 100 percent with my ankle.''
MORE SCHEDULE BREAKS COMING?
Sampson said he isn't sure if Houston will play Memphis on Sunday after the Tigers paused activities Wednesday because of coronavirus concerns.
Gregory said it's unlikely South Florida will make up all of their league games that were lost in the past month.
''I know the league is trying to make up as many games as they can,'' Gregory said. ''We have to make sure that everything is safe. And we have to remember that the guys are in school and have academic obligations.''
THE BIG PICTURE
Houston: The Cougars have won 10 out of the past 11 games and continue to look like the class of the American Conference. They hope that a strong finish will lead to a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.
USF: The Bulls hope to play out the rest of their schedule without interruptions and work to build team chemistry before the conference tournament.
UP NEXT
• Following Wednesday's game, the Cougars face Memphis at Noon, Sunday, Feb. 14, inside the Fertitta Center.
• Fans and media should note that the tipoff time for that game recently was moved up to noon from earlier published schedules.
• Game can be seen on ESPN and heard on 950 AM KPRC and the TuneIn app.
• From there, Cougars will meet ECU for the second time this season at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 17, inside the Fertitta Center.
• Pirates claimed an 82-73 win over Houston in Greenville, N.C., on Feb. 3.
• Game will be shown on ESPN+ and can be heard on 950 AM KPRC and the TuneIn app.
JOIN the 2021-22 SEASON-TICKET PRIORITY WAIT LIST
Houston Men's Basketball fans can join the season ticket priority wait list for the 2021-22 season inside the Fertitta Center with a $75 deposit today. To place a deposit for the 2021 season, click here or call 713-GO-COOGS (462-4667).
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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 (46874).
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