Men’s Hoops Cruises to win over Frankston Blues in Australia

SEAFORD, Australia – University of Houston sophomore guard Emanuel Sharp poured in 22 points with six 3-pointers to lead all players as the Cougars took a 109-64 win over the Frankston Blues on Saturday night inside Dreamstreet Lending Arena.

Houston held a narrow 25-22 lead after the first quarter but outscored the Blues 58-31 in the second and third periods to seize control of the game. The Blues moved to within 31-27 following a pair of free throws by Dan Trist with just under six minutes remaining in the second period.

However, the Cougars used a 19-5 run over the next five minutes and took a 52-35 lead into the locker room at the break.

When the game resumed, Houston used a 18-5 run in the first three minutes of the second half to build a 30-point advantage.

The Cougars connected on 52.6 percent (41-of-78) from the field while limiting Frankston to only 32.7 percent (18-of-55). Houston also forced 19 Frankston turnovers, leading to 26 points, with only four giveaways of its own.

Senior point guard Jamal Shead finished with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting and grabbed three rebounds with a game-high six assists and no turnovers. Senior guard L.J. Cryer totaled 16 points with four treys and added three rebounds with five turnovers and no giveaways.

Sophomore guard Terrance Arceneaux led the way with nine rebounds while freshman forward Joseph Tugler grabbed eight boards and tied with sophomore forward Ja'Vier Francis for team-high honors with four offensive rebounds.

L.J. Cryer, Mylik WIlson, Fans, vs. Frankston Blues

L.J. Cryer, Mylik WIlson, Fans, vs. Frankston Blues

With the win, the Cougars improved to 2-1 on their tour of Australia. Houston claimed a 93-52 win over the East All-Stars in Sydney on Aug. 7 before dropping a 99-65 decision to the Australian National Team in Cairns on Aug. 9.

Trist led Frankston with 17 points and seven rebounds. Jamie Ahale added 11 points with two rebounds and two assists while BJ Symonds finished with 10 points and three rebounds.

For Houston fans preparing to follow the team on its social media sites, the east coast of Australia is 15 hours ahead of Houston (When it is 1 p.m. (CDT) in Houston, it will be 4 a.m. (AEST) the next day in Australia).

This is the third international tour for the Cougars under Head Coach Kelvin Sampson with previous trips to Italy (2019) and China (2015). This is the third continent on which the Cougars will compete, but it marks the program's first visit to the Southern Hemisphere.

UP NEXT
The Cougars close their international competition against an Australia Select Team at 6 p.m. (AEST)/3 a.m. (CDT) Sunday, Aug. 13, inside Keilor Basketball Stadium.

Fans can watch Sunday's game against the Australia Select Team by clicking here.

AUSTRALIAN ATTRACTIONS
In addition to the games, the Cougars enjoyed visits to many Australian attractions on their tour. Houston will visit the Melbourne Zoo on Aug. 13 with a dinner cruise of the Sydney Harbor set for Aug. 14.

Prior to Sunday, the Cougars took a tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House, swam at the Great Barrier Reef
and watch the Australian Football League's Collingwood-Geelong game inside Melbourne Cricket Ground.

GAMES SCHEDULE & RESULTS

Game 1	Monday, Aug. 7	Houston 93, East All-Stars 52	Sydney, Australia – Shore School Gymnasium
Game 2	Wednesday, Aug. 9	Australian National Team 99, Houston 65	Cairns, Australia – Cairns State High School
Game 3	Saturday, Aug. 12	Houston 109, Frankston Blues 65	Melbourne, Australia – Dreamstreet Lending Arena
Game 4	3 a.m. (CST) / 6 p.m. (AEST), Aug. 13	vs. Australia Select Team	Melbourne, Australia – Keilor Basketball Stadium

BUY 2023-24 TICKETS
The Cougars have sold out of their season ticket allotment inside Fertitta Center for the 2023-24 season.

Information about group and single-game tickets will be available in the near future.

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).

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.

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