The new number-one team in the nation dominated Norfolk State Tuesday night, winning 100-52. UH did not play with its food this time, a stark change from Saturday’s sloppy, come-from-behind win over Kent State.
Up by ten, 18-8, the Fertitta Center came alive as the Cougars held the Spartans scoreless for the next five minutes, building the lead to 33-8. Jamal Shead and Tramon Mark each hit two early three-pointers to get the crowd into it. UH hit ten three-pointers in the first half and 17 in the game.
A play in that 15-0 run is representative of the night: Marcus Sasser poked a ball out, a Norfolk State player accidentally kicked it, Tramon Mark dove on the loose ball and had the presence of mind to dish it to J’Wan Roberts for a breakaway dunk.
After a Norfolk State timeout, Sasser came alive, hitting three straight shots from beyond the arc and extending the lead to 39-10 before yet another timeout. After the Roberts dunk, five straight Houston baskets were three-pointers.
Four Coogs scored in double-digits in the first half as UH led 54-20 at the break. Sasser led all scorers with 14 points, while Shead went a perfect 4-4 from three in the first half.
UH did not let up coming out of the locker room, either, as Jarace Walker found his footing and scored seven points in the first six minutes, including a rim-rocking dunk off of an assist from Shead.
Later on, Ja’Vier Francis scored eight-straight points, including three athletic dunks that dazzled the crowd. Then, fan-favorite Ryan Elvin hit a jumper before exploding Fertitta Center with a deep bomb, scoring Houston’s 100th point.
Sasser led all scorers with 25 points on 7-12 shooting from three-point range. Shead finished with a double-double, 12 points, and ten assists. The Cougars set a Fertitta record with 17 three-pointers.