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University of Houston
6-0,0-0Big 12
Dayton
3-2,0-0Atlantic 10
Shriners Children's Charleston Classic Champions!
11/19/2023 10:11:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Jamal Shead with season-high 16 points, LJ Cryer with game-high 18 in win
Shead scored his season high and had seven of the Cougars first nine points as they opened a 14-4 lead less than six minutes in. They are 6-0 to open for a second straight season. It's the first Charleston title for Houston and its 35th regular season tournament crown all-time.
The Manor, Texas native started his 66th straight game for Houston, and added six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Cryer, the Baylor transfer, had four of Houston's eight 3-pointers.
Houston took advantage of Dayton's cold start - the Flyers made just one of their first seven shots - to open an early double-digit lead. The Flyers (3-2) came as close at 19-15 after that until Houston responded with an 11-3 burst to restore the large margin.
The Cougars, as Cryer and Shead combined for six 3-pointers, were able to keep Dayton at arms length and took a 36-28 lead into the break. They continued pushing the pace and eventually opened a 54-34 lead midway through the second half.
DaRon Holmes II had 16 points for Dayton.
THE BIG PICTURE
Dayton: The Flyers had to rally in the second half in their first two Charleston games in beating LSU and St. John's. They could not get away with it a third straight game as they managed to shoot just 26.9% (7 of 26) in the final 20 minutes.
Houston: Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson talked throughout the tournament of the struggles in pulling together this group that lost three starters from a 33-win team a year ago. The blending process seemed to go very well in these three game, all won by double digits.
UP NEXT• Following Sunday's game, Houston closes the month of November when it plays host to Montana at 3 p.m., Friday, inside Fertitta Center.
• That game will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
• From there, the Cougars open December at Xavier at 5:30 p.m. (CST), Dec. 1 in the BIG EAST-Big 12 Battle in Cincinnati.
• That game will air on FS1.
• Houston returns to Fertitta Center to play host to Rice at 7 p.m., Dec. 9, in a game airing on Big 12 Now on ESPN+
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC and the Varsity Network app.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win as we begin Big 12 competition. Click here to rise and be counted.
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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