Four Coogs each score 15 in Houston's 99-57 win over Privateers

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POSTED: December 14, 2025 -- 7:30 a.m. CT

HOUSTON, TX -- Fertitta Center

The Houston Cougars defeated the New Orleans Privateers 99-57 Saturday afternoon to improve to 10-1 this season. Four different Coogs scored 15 points in the ball game: Chris Cenac Jr, Kingston Flemings, Chase McCarty, and Mercy Miller.

"I watched video of their game against Mississippi State, at Mississippi State when they lost in overtime," Kelvin Sampson, Houston Head Coach said of the Privateers. "I watched video on the game against TCU, and they won at TCU. I watched a bunch of clips of the game they won at Tulane. We always get our kids prepared to play the next game. And I thought our attention to detail, like their leading scorer was the Benson (Coleton Benson) kid. Not allowing him a clean look at the three point line."

Houston outscored New Orleans 29-5 in points off turnovers; 48-28 in bench points; and 28-20 points in the paint.

"I thought our second unit, it's all about attitude," Coach Sampson added. "They're not going to pout because they're not in. No one is asking why this or why that. Our kids don't care about that, that's the great thing about the family here. Everybody understands their role because I've defined it for them, and it's their job to play that role. There's not going to be a discussion or negotiation. Zero interest in people's opinions about it, it's who we are and how we do things here. We have high character kids which is all we recruit. As good as Mercy and Chase are, they're better kids and better human beings, and that goes for every kid on this team."

Houston led 44-23 at halftime; then, the Coogs made their first 11 field goal attempts in the second half to put the Privateers away.

McCarty's 15 points is a new career-high. McCarty made 4 of his 5 field goal attempts -- including 3 for 4 from three-point range.

"It's a boost of confidence just to see the ball finally go through the net," McCarty said. "I was efficient tonight and that just tells me that my hard work is paying off. Just keep the same mentality, keep posting on rebounds and everything will follow."

Houston senior guard Milos Uzan dished out 10 assists. Houston finished the game with 23 assists on 32 made baskets. Houston shot 32 for 59 (54.2 fg%) for the game -- including 72.0 fg% (18 for 25) in the second half.

NEXT: Saturday, December 20 -- against Arkansas in the Never Forget Tribute Classic, at Prudential Center, in Newark, NJ. Tip is set for 4:30 pm CT on CBS.

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