Tigers Fall To No. 3 Houston In Cougar Classic Finale
Playing the Cougars for the first time since 2012, UH led 4-0 until a Davon Barnes’ three-pointer at the 17:21 mark. The Cougars quickly countered with a basket from J’Wan Roberts but TSU continued to hang around as Barnes scored four more points to draw the Tigers within 8-7. Houston’s Jamal Shead answered with a trey on the ensuing possession which kicked off an 8-0 run as the deficit grew to 16-7 with 10:36 left.
Freshman Zytarious Mortle ended the drought with an alley oop and scored a jumper to narrow the gap to 18-11 but the shots wouldn’t fall for the Tigers as they missed nine shots down the stretch while UH shot 10-of-20 to close out the half en route to a 43-20 halftime lead.
Four points by PJ Henry saw TSU get within 19 early in the second half but that would be the closest TSU would get as the well-rested Cougars never let their foot off the gas en route to the win.
Mortle led TSU with 15 points while Barnes had nine points and seven reobunds. Both Mortle and Barnes were named to the Cougar Classic All-Tournament Team.
TSU is back in action on Friday as they’ll head to No. 13 Auburn for a 7 p.m. tip-off.
Courtesy: TSUSports.com
