Coogs defeat SMU in final C-USA season opener

POSTED: January 9, 2013 -- 11:15 p.m. CT

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- The Houston Cougars played one of their worst 15 minutes of basketball this season Wednesday night versus the SMU Mustangs. However, the Coogs found a way to defeat the Mustangs 78-67 in front of an announced crowd of 3,123 fans.

Fortunately, for the Coogs, the game is 40 minutes long; and, just as fortunate, the Coogs' Jimmie Jones played the final five minutes of the first half. With Jones on the bench, the Coogs couldn't make shots; couldn't hold on to the basketball (8 turnovers in 14 plus minutes) and couldn't defend the Mustangs. Jones checked into the game and fit right in when a committed a turnover; but, after the Mustangs took a 34-22 lead at the 2:37 mark of the opening half, Jones nailed a three-point shot to start a 10-0 run.

The Cougars (12-2 overall, 1-0 in C-USA) trailed the Mustangs (10-7, 0-2) 36-32 at halftime.

The Mustangs shot 61.5% (16 of 26) from the floor in the opening half; but, the second half was a different story.

The Cougars were much, much more active, aggressive and effective on defense in the second half and limited the Mustangs to only 30.8% (12 for 39) field goal shooting.

Joseph Young was on fire early in the second-half and made six of his first 8 shots to help the Coogs tie the game at 53 and take the lead 55-53.

The game was tied at 57 before TaShawn Thomas scored four straight points during an 8-0 run. The Mustangs' Brian Bernardi nailed a 3 to reduce the Coogs' lead to 65-60; but, Danuel House sank six of 8 foul shots in the final 99 seconds to help the Coogs seal the victory. House scored a season-high 28 points on 7 for 11 field goals and 13 for 17 free throws.

Joseph Young added 20 points. Leon Gibson scored eight points and grabbed a game-high 14 boards. Thomas  added 12 rebounds.

The Coogs next two games are on the road: Saturday, January 12, at Southern Miss (2 p.m.) and Wednesday, January 16, at East Carolina (6 p.m.).

CLICK HERE for news and info about the Coogs' men's basketball team.

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

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