Houston Cougars 118, Concordia 70

POSTED: November 8, 2011 -- 11:39 p.m. CT

James Dickey is a coach's coach. Coach Dickey's Cougars defeated the Concordia Tornados Tuesday night in an exhibition game 118-70; however, based on Coach Dickey's post-game assessment, you would not be convinced the Coogs played well.

"Here's the way we assess the game, without looking at the film," said Coach Dickey to the media after the game. "We gave up too many points in both halves. We're not as sound as we need to be."

However, to be fair, Coach Dickey was pleased to play Concordia because their up tempo style of play is similar to some of the Coogs' opponents this season.

"We wanted to play a team like this because we're going to play some teams that are going to press and play up tempo," Dickey added. "So, from that standpoint, I thought it was really good."

The Tornados scored the first three points of the game and stayed close to the Cougars until a 28 to 11 run by the Cougars blew the game open.

After a slow 7 for 18 shooting performance, the Cougars made 17 of their final 20 field goal attempts to lead 60-33 at halftime.

Houston junior Jonathan Simmons exploded with 13 points off the bench to kick-start the Cougars' engine and lead the rout.

Simmons said he was "anxious" to get on the court and "show the world what we can do."

Simmons was sensational. In 26 minutes, Simmons scored 21 points on 9 of 11 field goal shooting; grabbed eight rebounds; dished out nine assists; picked up five steals and blocked one shot. Simmons did commit a game-high six turnovers; but, many of the turnovers were caused by him playing too fast.

Coach Dickey acknowledged, "He's got a chance to be really good."

Joseph Young led the Cougars with 26 points. Young made 8 of his 11 field goals including 5 of 6 from behind the three point line. For the first time since he was in the eighth grade, Young played the point guard position. Young turned the ball over five times in the first half; but, Young committed zero turnovers in the second half.

After the game, Young said the Cougars' defense needs to improve.

"We need to work on our run throughs (screens), the back side help defense, and get the long rebounds. That's pretty much everything," said Young.

Sophomore forward Alandise Harris scored 17 points (7 for 10 from the field); snared six rebounds; and dished out four assists. Senior Darian Thibodeaux added 14 points (5 for 8, 4 for 8 on threes); and, freshman forward TaShawn Thomas filled the stat sheet with 14 points, 10 rebounds, 4 fouls, 3 assists, 3 blocked shots, and 1 steal.

"I think he's an outstanding player - for a freshman," said Young of Thomas' skills.

The Cougars committed 26 turnovers in the ball game which did not please Coach Dickey.

"The thing about our turnovers is most of them were unforced," Dickey admitted. "Bad decisions on our part. We'll correct that."

"I love the way we played offensively and attacked," Dickey added. "But, you've got to go back and play with equal energy and enthusiasm on the other end; and, not lose your man. Find your man in transition. Not thinking about how good a dunk you had or hitting that big three and going back into that home run trot and celebrating. You've got to sprint back; find your man; find the ball and be ready to help. I think we can better in that area."

"We needed something like this where people are going to make us scramble because we're expecting the same type of tempo from Grambling on Saturday.

The Cougars connected on 62.0 percent (44 for 71) of their field goals as well as dished out 28 assists.

The Cougars begin the 2011-2012 regular season with a 7 p.m. start time versus Grambling State.

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