Houston Cougars drop game two of China trip in shortened match

Photo by University of Houston Athletics Communications Office.
Used with permission

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2015 TexSport Publications

THIHU, CHINA (August 15, 2015) The Houston Cougars dropped the second game in their 10-day, four-game trip to China by the score of 77-66 against the Chinese Basketball Association’s Qingdao Doublestars on Saturday, August 15, 2015. The game was played at the Taihu County Sports Center in Taihu, China and was ended with 85 second remaining due to a series of minor altercations between players from both teams.

The leading scorer for the Cougars was redshirt junior Bertrand Nkali with 11 points, hitting four field goals and going 3-of-4 from the free throw line. The 6-8 forward sat out the 2014-2015 season after surgery for a sports hernia. He played the 2012-2013 season for Harcum Junior College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, following up with the

2013-2014 season at Lee College in Baytown, Texas.

Entering the fourth quarter with the score tied at 54, the Doublestars went on a 21-4 run to take the lead that remained until the game was called. Fouls had a definite outcome on the game with the Cougars whistled 31 times, while their Chinese opponents were called a mire 12 times. The Cougars were 7-of-12 from the free throw line while Qingdao connected 33 times on 47 attempts.

Also aiding in the scoring was junior guard Damyean Dotson and senior forward LeRon Barnes, both with nine points. Senior forward Devonte Pollard chipped in eight points in the effort.

The Cougars will next hit the court on Sunday, August 16, 2015 in Taihi, China against a to-be-determined opponent. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. China Standard Time, which is 13 hours ahead of Houston time.