Coogs crush Alcorn State, 89-58

10 Coogs scored at least two points in the rout

Posted: December 9, 2013 -- 10:42pm CST.

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- The Houston Cougars snapped a two-game losing with an 89-58 victory over the Alcorn State Braves Monday night.

The Coogs were led by TaShawn Thomas and Danrad "Chicken" Knowles each scoring 19 points.

Junior forward TaShawn Thomas said the Coogs were tired of losing. After winning their first six games to start the season, the Coogs had lost four of their last 5 games.

"Everyone was tired of losing. Everyone was tired of how we lost the last game."

Thomas (8 for 9 field goals) also added nine rebounds.

Knowles (6 for 8 field goals) scored his points in 20 minutes off the bench.

The Coogs (7-4) used a balanced scoring attack (10 players scored at least two points) and improved defense to top Alcorn State (3-5).

"We looked more like a team tonight," said head coach James Dickey. "Certainly, the last two days were long and uncomfortable for all of us. I was highly disappointed, and we didn't have a lot of time to prepare. We had a lot of individual meetings, we had some team get-togethers, but in a short period of time our guys were really locked in with Coach Hamilton on the scout."

The Coogs shot 64.5% (20 for 31) from the floor in the first half and limited the Braves to 34.1% (14 for 41) and led 43-29 at halftime.

However, Coach Dickey didn't want a repeat performance tonight in the second half similar to the problems which led to Saturday's home loss to San Jose State.

"To start the game the second half, we established ourselves because the score was much like the game on Saturday night," Coach Dickey added. "And, I was unhappy that we gave up that offensive rebound right before the half. We wanted to establish ourselves in the second half."

Coogs' senior big man J.J. Richardson established his presence in the paint in the second half with three strong baskets during a 23-6 run for a 31-point lead (66-35).

The Coogs cruised to victory.

With time off for final exams, the Coogs next game is Saturday, December 14, on the road versus Louisiana-Lafayette. Tip is set for 7:05 p.m.

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