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.).

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