The Forever Coogs beat Challenge ALS in a thrilling come-from-behind victory 75-70 at Fertitta Center to win the Houston regional and advance to the TBT Quarterfinals in their first season.
Challenge ALS had an early 11-6 run and were excellent on the offensive glass.
Davis picked up where he left off of the bench and got the and-one. Challenge ALS had the lead after one quarter 15-10.
Houston was 0/6 from three to start.
The Forever Coogs brought it back down to 22-19 on a 5-0 run from former forward for the UH 2021 Final Four team Justin Gorham, a three from the corner (first of the game for the Coogs) followed by great attack in the paint with a spin move.
Houston continued to stay within one possession but were unable to tie or take the lead. Challenge ALS took control late in the second quarter with a nine point lead at 41-32.
They stayed in control with a 43-34 lead at halftime. Challenge ALS made five threes and shot 31% from long range.
A big three from Melvin Frazier Jr kept it close but Challenge ALS continued to stay in front by eight.
However, the Forever Coogs woke up and went on a 10-3 run to bring the lead down to just one at the end of the third quarter 56-55. Former UH guard Rob Gray nearly had a chance to take the lead before the third quarter buzzer. Former Uh forward Devin Davis started the run on a three followed by a layup from Shawdre Jones before Gray tied it on a three that brought the Ferittta Center crowd to its feet.
The fourth quarter started back and forth with former UH forward Tashawn Thomas making a tough layup and drew the foul. Thomas followed that up with a dunk to keep the lead to two.
Challenge ALS responded with a basket followed by a three to regain control at 67-61 with just over five minutes left. Gray hit another huge three to bring it back to one possession and Frazier Jr got the layup off the offensive rebound that made it a one point game at 67-66 with just under four minutes to go. That brought the winning score of 75 for the Elam Ending.
Challenge ALS and the Forever Coogs went back to back baskets to start but the Coogs got a steal and Gray hit the clutch three for the lead 71-69 in transition that brought a roar to Fertitta Center. The 6’1 guard didn’t have any hesitation and knew what was possible. This was followed by a layup from Gorham that brought the Forever Coogs one possession away from victory.
Frazier Jr was fouled on the next possession and made both the free throws to put the game away. It was another incredible turnaround for the team during the Elam ending period where they showed the winning urgency.
It was a pretty even game throughout, but it came down to the extra period as the Coogs outscored Challenge ALS 9-3 and the offensive rebounding changed from the first half to second.
Current Cougars guards Emmanuel Sharp, Ramon Walker Jr, LJ Cryer, head coach Kelvin Sampson, assistant head coach Kellen Sampson and Hollis Price, and Dallas Mavericks shooting guard and UH alum Quentin Grimes were in attendance.
“A crazy way to end the game, nothing like normal…we’ve been a force in the Elam ending, especially with our defense and rebounding,” said Gray, who had a team leading 23 points and came through when needed.
This team kept on fighting and battling back,” said head coach Lawrence Paye.
Everyone is not in great shape and has limited time to get ready for TBT which is why the players get a little tired late in the game. That is where the Forever Coogs have come up big in the critical 2nd half where they stay strong and fight.
“That’s where we can get some separation and start to implement our will because we get comfortable,” said Gray.
The Forever Coogs will be back at Fertitta Center for the quarterfinal vs Team Colorado (Colorado alumni) on Tuesday at 8 pm central.