Rob Gray, Jr. scores 31 points off the bench in win over LSU

Posted: December 13, 2015 -- 9:18 pm CDT.

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- The Houston Cougars and LSU Tigers put on quite a basketball show Sunday afternoon for the 7,918 fans gathered inside Hofheinz Pavilion as well as for those watching on national television. The Coogs topped the Tigers 105-98 in overtime.

Rob Gray, Jr. scored a team-high 31 points for the Cougars - in 26 minutes (off the bench). Danrad 'Chicken' Knowles returned to the starting lineup and scored 20 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and blocked 3 shots.

The Coogs (6-1) needed Gray, Jr.'s torrid scoring to counter LSU's Keith Hornsby game-high 32 points. Hornsby shot made 6 three-pointers and many of the baskets were with a hand in his face. In fact, Hornsby sent the game into overtime with a game-tying three-point bucket with 5 seconds remaining in the second half.

Both teams shot 50 percent from the floor in the ball game.

The Coogs shot 51.4% (37 for 72) -- including a perfect 5 for 5 field goals in the extra five minute session.

LSU (4-4) made 34 of their 68 field goal attempts.

The Cougars out-rebounded the Tigers 46-33 and outscored the Tigers 20-8 in second chance points thanks to a 17-9 edge on the offensive boards.

The 7,918 fans in attendance was the largest home crowd for the Cougars since falling to No. 1 Memphis in front of 8,918 fans on January 30, 2008.

LSU's Ben Simmons, the projected number one pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, scored 13 points, pulled down 14 rebounds, dished 5 dimes, blocked 2 shots, and picked up 3 steals before fouling out with 2:41 remaining in the second half.

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