Today, in 1968, #1 Houston beat Centenary at State Fair Coliseum in Shreveport, 107-56, in Elvin Hayes’ return to North Louisiana. Hayes scored 50 and pulled down 37 rebounds, a school record that still stands today.
Ken Spain put up remarkable numbers in the game – 19 points and 15 rebounds – but was overshadowed by the Big E. Theodis Lee, also from North Louisiana, had 11 points and nine boards.
The Centenary game was the fourth straight that UH had scored 100+ points in – every one since the Game of the Century. The streak would continue until the end of the regular season. In all, UH scored 100+ points in 11 straight games.
The Cougars hit 100 points 18 times that season and 90+ in six more (in 33 games). Meanwhile, Centenary shot 24/96 as Houston alternated between a press and a 1-3-1 zone.
After starting the game on an 18-1 run, Houston led 60-24 at the half. Elvin shot 14/22 in the first half for 32 points and had 32 rebounds.
Shreveport Times headline
Houston gets a full page in Centenary yearbook // Centenary Yoncopin Yearbook
Centernary Campus Conglomerate game story
Elvin Hayes rebounds // Campus Conglomerate
Cougars in Shreveport preview // Campus Conglomerate
Elvin Hayes shooting vs Centenary // Shreveport Times
