Thomas scores 25 in Houston Cougars' 88-74 win over the Temple Owls

Danuel House (23) had three massive dunks for the Cougars
in their 88-74 win over the Temple Owls.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2014 All Right Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 9, 2014) The University of Houston men’s basketball team jumped out to a 40-29 lead at halftime and continued to dominate a depleted Temple squad in the second half by downing the Owls 88-74 at Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston, Texas on Sunday afternoon, February 9, 2014.

The Cougars have an effective offensive presence on the court; with four players scoring in double figures.

TaShawn Thomas, who also tallied nine rebounds, connected for 25 points, while Jherrod Stiggers connected for 20, Danuel House adding 16 and Brandon Morris contributing 15.

The Owls took at four point lead at the 17:25 mark in the first half and that was the last time Temple was ever than close.

Temple, who only suited nine players for the game due to injuries, tried valiantly to keep pace, but with Houston head coach JamesDickey substituting players as will, the Owls quickly found themselves over-matched and outpaced.

Houston had a 21 point lead with just over three minute remaining in the half, but that lead quickly dwindled in the second half.

TaShawn Thomas (35) scored 25 points and pulled down
nine rebounds against Temple.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved

their season average of 50.5% in addition to scoring 22 points of the bench.

The major factor in the game was fast break points, with Houston connecting for 14 points as opposed to only tow for the Owls.

Teamwork was also a key factor for the Cougars, who tallied 22 assists.

For Temple, Dalton Pepper led all scorers with 17 points, followed by Anthony Lee and Quenton Decosey with 14 each.

Houston will now have six days to prepare to face their fourth nationally ranked opponent for 2013-2014 as they travel back east to play number seven ranked Cincinnati on February 15.