Coogs' use balanced scoring to defeate UNC Pembroke

Posted: November 5, 2016 -- 11:55 pm CDT.

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- Damyean Dotson scored a game-high 23 points to lead the Houston Cougars over North Carolina Pembroke, 94-67, in a exhibition game for both teams. Rob Gray, Jr. added 22 points and junior college transfer Devin Davis was very productive with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in 27 minutes. Wes VanBeck scored 10 points off the bench.

Eleven Coogs played. Eight Coogs scored. Four scored in double-digits.

Davis' performance tonight provides evidence why head coach Kelvin Sampson believes Davis is one of the better players in the American Athletic Conference.

Dotson scored the first points of the game with a three-point splash. The Coogs jumped to a 10-2 lead and led 17-7 before the Braves went on a 9-0 run to slice the lead to 17-16 with 11:25 remaining in the first half.

VanBeck scored a lay-up to end the Coogs' scoreless drought and begin an 8-0 burst. After 2 made free throws by Pembroke's Akia Pruitt, Galen Robinson, Jr. and Devin Davis each scored 2 points to stretch Houston's lead to 11 points (29-18) with 3:53 on the first half clock.

The lead grew to 13 points as Coogs' freshman guard Armoni Brooks scored his first points of the game on an offensive rebound.

Houston led 42-29 at halftime. Dotson scored 13 points in the half on perfect shooting: 4 for 4 field goal (3 for 3 from three) and 2 for 2 from the foul line.

The Cougars turned over the ball 12 times in the opening 20 minutes.

Davis scored the first 2 points of the second half and Gray, Jr. added 5 points during a 9-0 Coogs' run which expanded to a 17-2 blitz and a 28 point lead (59-31) with 17 minutes left in the ball game.

Thanks to turnovers and numerous trips to the foul line, Pembroke managed to get as close as 21 points during the second half. However, the Coogs led by as much as 31 points and cruised to the 27 point victory.

Houston tips off the 2016-'17 college basketball season, Friday, November 11, versus Morgan State. Game time is 7 pm inside Hofheinz Pavilion.

CLICK HERE for The HRR's write-ups of Coogs' men's hoops games.