Coogs crush Cornell by 30

Posted: November 26, 2016 -- 9:34 pm CDT.

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- The Houston Cougars displayed a workman-like effort Saturday evening in an 83-53 win over Cornell in front of an announced crowd of 3,223 fans gathered inside the friendly confines of Hofheinz Pavilion.

After winning three games earlier this week to capture the Gulf Coast Showcase crown, today's game was the Coogs' fourth this week. The game was sloppy in spots; but, the Coogs never trailed in the ball game and cruised to the 30 point victory.

"We’re 5-0. I saw a lot of good stuff out there," Kelvin Sampson, Coogs head coach said after the game. "Devin (Davis) got us off on a good start. Our guards mixed their defenses up. This is our fourth game in six days. We played Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, traveled Thursday, and got back here Thursday morning. We practiced yesterday and played today. We were a little sluggish at times, but we got over that. It’s good to get a win."

Cornell missed its first seven field goal attempts -- all three-point shots; and, the Cougars jumped to a 9-0 lead. The Cougars led 14-0 before the Big Red got on the scoreboard with a made basket. The lead expanded to 26-2 before finally scored consecutive baskets during a 7-0 mini-run.

Cornell never got closer than 14 the remainder of the ball game.

The Cougars led 45-26 at halftime.

Devin Davis led the Coogs with a team-high 18 points. Rob Gray, Jr. scored 15 points while Wes Vanbeck added 12 points off the bench and Damyean Dotson scored 10 points in a 25 foul-plagued minutes.

The Cougars improve to 5-0 with the win and face LSU, November 29, in Baton Rouge. Tip is set for 8 p.m. CST.

"We just want to continue to get better" Sampson added. "This time of year, it’s not about the losing. This is basketball. Syracuse went to the Final Four and lost 15 games.

"Losing a game is not a big deal. You’re going to get nicked if you play enough games. Florida State and West Virginia lose to Temple. Temple got beat by New Hampshire. For college basketball, you have to put it into the right context. There’s no finality in losses in college. You learn from them and move on.

"The big key for us as far as playing LSU is understanding we beat them last year, so they will be ready to play. For other things like rebounding, we have to make shots. When you go on the road, it’s a make or miss game."

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