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University of Houston Athletics
University of Houston
1-0,0-0Big 12
Lehigh
0-1,0-0Patriot
#2/2 Men's Basketball Opens Season with Win Against Lehigh
11/3/2025 9:56:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Head Coach Kelvin Sampson collects 800th career victory on Monday night
HOUSTON (AP) – University of Houston senior guard Emanuel Sharp scored 24 points to lead the second-ranked Cougars to a 75-57 win over Lehigh for Head Coach Kelvin Sampson's 800th career win inside Fertitta Center on Monday night.
Sharp had 13 points in the first half on 5-of-8 shooting as Houston (1-0) built a 44-23 halftime lead. The Cougars shot 57% in the first half.
Freshman forward Chris Cenac Jr. added with 12 points and 10 rebounds, senior guard Milos Uzan scored 12 points and Joseph Tugler had 11 points for Houston, which shot 43% for the game. Junior forward Joseph Tugler totaled 11 points with two rebounds, three assists and a game-high four blocked shots in the win.
Sampson improved to 800-354 in his 37-year career, including 300-84 since taking over at Houston in 2014. He became the 17th coach in NCAA history to reach 800 wins (among coaches with 10+ years at NCAA Division I level) and the fourth active coach to achieve the milestone, joining Rick Barnes, John Calipari and Bill Self.
Nasir Whitlock had 18 points and nine rebounds, and Caleb Thomas and Hank Alvey each added 10 points for Lehigh (0-1). The Mountain Hawks shot 37%.
Houston unveiled its second NCAA Final Four banner in the last five seasons prior to the game, marking the Cougars' national runner-up finish last season.
The Cougars jumped out to a 15-2 lead in the first six minutes behind 10 points from Cenac, including a 3-pointer with 14:10 remaining in the half for the 13-point lead. Lehigh started 1-for-10 from the field.
With the win, Houston improved to 61-20 in season openers during its history. The Cougars won their 17th straight season opener and for the 21st time in the last 22. Only a 65-63 loss to Georgia Southern on the first day of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer in Durham, N.C., on Nov. 11, 2008, prevents a longer streak.
UP NEXT
• Following Monday's season opener, Houston continues its homestand when it plays host Towson at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, inside Fertitta Center. That game can be seen on ESPN+.
• It will be part of a busy day around Fertitta Center as the Houston Women's Basketball program faces UTSA at 7 p.m., Saturday.
• From there, the Cougars close their homestand when they meet Oakland at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12, inside Fertitta Center. That game can be seen on ESPN+.
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC, the Varsity Network app and Sirius XM Radio.
BUY TICKETS
Single-game home tickets for all games inside Fertitta Center are now on sale, and fans are encouraged to purchase quickly while supplies last. The two-time defending Big 12 Conference Champions, the Cougars will play host to 16 home games inside Fertitta Center with seven in non-conference play and nine in Big 12 action in 2025-26.
Fans can purchase single-game tickets by clicking here.
Fans interested in purchasing group tickets may complete this form to be contacted by a member of the Houston Athletics Tickets Sales staff. A limited number of group tickets remain available, but fans should act soon to purchase.
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the 50-50 Club, which provides financial support directly to Houston Men's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
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.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on X 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.
