#7/6 Houston Men’s Basketball Defeats ULM in Season Opener

HOUSTON – University of Houston sophomore guard Emanuel Sharp scored a career-high 20 points, senior guard Damian Dunn added 18 and #7/6 Houston beat ULM 84-31 inside Fertitta Center in the season opener for both teams on Monday night.

Sharp was 5-for-9 from the field and hit four 3-pointers, while Dunn, a transfer from Temple, finished 5-for-8 from the field, including 3-for-5 on 3s. Dunn scored 14 straight points during one stretch as the Cougars built a 23-7 lead with 8:45 left in the first half en route to a 38-14 halftime lead.

Houston shot 43% and was 11-for-35 on 3-pointers.

"This game is not about any one player," Houston Coach Kelvin Sampson said. I don't think anybody really stood out tonight. That's kind of the strength of this team - we don't depend on one guy."

The 31 points allowed tied for the third-fewest Houston allowed in program history and the fewest Houston gave up in more than 70 years. The Cougars beat Abilene Christian 54-31 on Dec. 2, 1947, and it was the fewest allowed since beating Texas A&M 38-29 on Dec. 8, 1951.

"You know how hard it is to hold a team to 31 points," Sampson said. "That's the story. That's it. That's hard to do."

The Cougars dominated ULM in just about every stat, including outrebounding the Warhawks 46-30 and forced 25 turnovers, which Houston turned into 30 points.

"Our defense is our star," Sampson said. "How we rebounded, how we defend. We've been doing this a long, long time. Before any of these guys were on this team. That's our system. Everybody has a system; everybody has a way they want to win games, but I'm not going to get carried away with how kids play in November."

Savion Gallion scored eight points, and Tyreke Locure had seven for the Warhawks, who shot 28%.

ULM coach Keith Richard was impressed with Houston's defense.

"I thought before the game coming in Houston was elite defensively," he said. "Now, I think Houston is double elite defensively and probably, got to be the best defensive team in the country."

BIG PICTURE
ULM: The Warhawks had issues competing with Houstonâ€™s size and athleticism. ... ULMâ€™s 14 first half points surpassed their lowest point total in a half last season, which was 17.

Houston: The Cougars, picked to finish second in their first year in the Big 12, used their swarming defense to give ULM issues throughout the night. ... L.J. Cryer, a transfer from Baylor, struggled on 3-for-13 shooting, including 1 for 9 on 3s, to finish with nine points.

PAYING TRIBUTE TO CHANEY
Houston will pay tribute to former forward Reggie Chaney by wearing #32 patches this season in his memory. Chaney, who was 23 when he died in August, was a three-year letterman at Houston and graduated in May. The Cougars played a video package and held a moment of silence in his honor during halftime.

UP NEXT
• Following Monday's game, the Cougars continue their season-opening homestand when they face Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 12:30 p.m., Saturday inside Fertitta Center.
• That game can be seen on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
• From there, the Cougars take on Stetson at 7 p.m., Monday, inside Fertitta Center to close the homestand.
• That game will be shown 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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