Coogs defeat UTPA Broncs 96-71

POSTED: January 3, 2013 -- 11:15 p.m. CT

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- The Houston Cougars improved to 11-2 with a 96-71 victory over the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) Broncs in front of an announced crowd of 3,113 fans spread throughout Hofheinz Pavilion.

Joseph Young led the Cougars with a game-high 25 points. Young continued his torrid shooting from three-point range nailing seven of his 9 three-point shots Thursday night.

Danuel House scored 12 points and pulled down seven rebounds in his 26 minutes of action. Point guard J.J. Thompson was solid with 12 points and six assists (only 2 turnovers).

Jherrod Stiggers scored 10 of Houston's 31 bench points. Leon Gibson scored eight points and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.

The Coogs led the Broncs 17-15 before Thompson scored a layup which began a 14-5 run to stretch the Coogs' lead to 31-20 with 7:52 remaining till halftime. The lead grew to 16 points (40-24) with four minutes remaining; but, the Broncs finished the half outscoring the Coogs' 12-2.

The Coogs led by only six points (42-36) at halftime.

The Broncs shot an astounding 57.7% (15 for 26) from the field in the first 20 minutes while the Coogs made 16 of 33 field goals for 48.5%.

The Coogs' defense improved in the second half and limited the Broncs' to 45.2% field goal shooting (14 for 31).

The Broncs (7-10) stayed close to the Coogs the first eight minutes of the second half; but, a 16-6 run over the next four minutes increased the lead to 16 points and the Coogs cruised to the win.

The Coogs begin conference play Wednesday, January 9, when they host SMU. Tip is set for 7pm.

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