Houston Cougars 74, Oakland 76

UPDATED: November 23, 2011 -- 12:06 a.m. CT

POSTED: November 22, 2011 -- 11:56 p.m. CT

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- Despite 49 combined points from Kirk Van Slyke (career-high 28 points) and Alandise (21 points), the Houston Cougars (3-1) lost the Oakland Grizzlies 76-74 in front of an announced crowd 3,287 fans.

Van Slyke and Harris were the only Coogs to score in double digits compared to four players in double-digits for the Grizzlies.

After the game, Harris said some of his teammates did not practice very hard since their road win over Arkansas Friday night.

"We just haven't been practicing hard since the Arkansas game," Harris admitted. "We just haven't been practicing hard."

Van Slyke scored six points early to help the Coogs to a 15-6 lead; but, the Grizzlies refused to go away. In fact, Oakland went on a 17-4 run to lead 23-19.

"I thought a big turning point in the game - we were up nine (15-6) - we lost the momentum of the game. We were too impatient offensively. (We) gave up some offensive rebounds. They got some confidence going; and, they outscored us the rest of the half by four points."

Van Slyke scored 19 points in the first half on 7 of 11 field goal shooting. The rest of the Cougars shot 7 for 19.

Oakland (2-2) maintained a lead into the second half; but, Houston point guard J.J. Thompson converted a driving layup for a 53-51 lead with 13:40 remaining. However, big man Corey Petros scored four straight points during a 10-2 run by the Grizzlies to keep the Coogs at arms' length.

Minutes later, Thompson swished a jump shot to pull the Coogs within one point (63-62) at the 3:50 mark of the second half; however, the Coogs were unable to make key stops on defensive and also grab the defensive rebounds which enabled the Grizzlies seal the road victory with free throws in the closing seconds.

"I really believe if you're not sharp. It will always show up on the defensive end. You'll be a step slow. You won't get the 50-50 balls; and, you'll end up fouling. I thought we really got ourselves in a hole with foul trouble."

Houston's trio of guards, Joseph Young (0 for 4), Darian Thibodeaux (1 for 9) and J. J. Thompson (3 for 9) shot a combined 4 for 22 from the field in the ball game.

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.