Houston downs MVSU on Stiggers' eight three-pointers

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 28, 2014) Scoring 24 of his 28 points from three-point range, Jherrod Stiggers (shown left) led the Houston Cougars to an 80-53 win over the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014 at Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston. Stiggers' eight three-pointers was a career high for the starting guard and helped to give the Cougars their seventh win of the season.

Cavon Baker and Devonta Pollard also scored in double figures; 13 and 12 points respectively. Danrad Knowles led the Cougars with 10 rebounds, with Pollard and Stiggers each getting two steals. Pollard was perfect from the free throw line, 6-of-6, along with seven rebounds.

Stiggers talked about is eight three-pointers in the post-game press conference.

“It was just the flow of the game. I try to play as hard as I can, but coach says to not force shots, and just let them."

Houston out-shot the Delta Devils from the field (48.1%-37.0%), free throws (78.9%-66.7%) and from three-point range (43.3%- 25.0%). They also held an advantage in second chance point (17) which was a direct result of their 16 offensive rebounds.

Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson spoke about the Cougars’ slow first half start with the press after the game.

“Turnovers. We’re going to turn the ball over some. That’s the way we’re built. Chuck (Cavon Baker) is going to turn it over some. Jherrod (Stiggers) is going to turn it over some. Eric (Weary) is going to turn it over some. Devonta (Pollard) is going to turn it over some. We’re not a team that’s going to play a clean game. We’re just not built that way."

MVSU shot 46.2% in the first half, but was held to 28.6% in the second half, The Cougars outscored the Delta Devils in the second half (40-20) by shutting down their offensive attack. MVSU only shot 8-of 28 from the field in the second half. Isaac Williams led the Delta Devils with 12 points, while Vacha Vaught pulled down nine rebounds.

Houston will next head to Memphis on Dec. 31 to face the Tigers in American Athletic Conference action. From there they will travel to Oklahoma to play Tulsa on Jan. 4, 2015 before returning home to play UCF at Hofheinz Pavilion on Jan. 6. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Houston.