11/08/2026 09:49:00
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11/08 21:48 CST Thomas scores 20 points as No. 10 Houston dominates inside
against California
Thomas scores 20 points as No. 10 Houston dominates inside against California
STATELINE, Nev. (AP) --- Dedan Thomas Jr. scored 20 points and had eight
assists, Joseph Tugler added 16 points and four blocked shots and No. 10
Houston beat California 86-68 on Sunday night in the inaugural Caesars Lake
Tahoe Classic.
Delrecco Gillespie added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars (2-0),
who shot 52% from the field and outscored the Golden Bears 50-24 in the paint.
Chase McCarty had 11 points, making three 3-pointers.
Mady Cooper led California (2-1) with 19 points, making five 3-pointers. Jordan
Ross added 15 points and five assists for the Golden Bears, who made nine of 26
attempts from beyond the arc.
Houston turned an 11-point halftime advantage into a 23-point lead midway
through the second half. California answered with a 14-4 run to pull within 13,
but the Cougars maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way behind
efficient shooting and a dominant inside game.
Houston forced 16 turnovers, converting them into 22 points. The Cougars
finished with 14 steals and seven blocked shots while holding California to 44%
shooting.
Houston led 43-32 at halftime and extended its advantage to 23 points in the
second half. The Cougars led throughout after taking the lead in the opening
moments.
Up next
Houston: Hosts Jacksonville State on Wednesday night.
California: Hosts No. 21 Southern California on Wednesday night.
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