The Forever Coogs Houston alumni team headed to the championship of The Basketball Tournament in just their first season, defeating Eberlein Drive 76-73.
After leading for most of the game, Eberlein Drive made a fierce comeback to bring the Coogs lead down to one.
However, team leader and former UH guard Rob Gray had other plans as he nailed the game-winning jumper to close it out in Philly and keep Houston’s undefeated run going as they are just one more win away from $1 million.
Gray ended up with a team-high 18 points, and the winningest athlete in UH history Fabian White Jr had 17 points, including the first four in the Elam Ending period. Former starting forward for the 2021 Final Four team Justin Gorham had a critical nine points and seven rebounds.
The Elam ending performance was once again a key for the Forever Coogs as they were able to continuously make key shots. White was clutch over and over inside the paint with multiple baskets to maintain the lead. This duo of Gray and White made it happen for the Coogs late in the game.
“Fabian White is a problem,” exclaimed Gray postgame.
The Forever Coogs and Eberlein drive were close in the first quarter, but Houston had the lead 20-17 at the end of one. A couple of key buckets by Houston allowed them to extend the advantage to six at the half. Gray started to heat up in the third quarter as the Forever Coogs expanded to a double-digit lead of 59-44.
Eberlein Drive started to narrow the margin with a strong attack in the paint. The gap with four minutes to go was just two. The Forever Coogs have consistently shown their clutch ability during the Elam Ending period and this game was no different.
Head coach Lawrence Paye mentioned postgame about how the team wasn’t worried as they’ve been in these situations. Houston have won three games by five or fewer points.
In their first-ever TBT championship, they faced off against Carmen’s Crew Ohio State alumni, who won it all back in 2019. This was a great game, but ultimately the Ohio State alumni were able to win 69-65 in what was a close encounter throughout. Jared Sullinger, a 2012 first-round pick for the Celtics hit the fadeaway jumper for $1 million.
This was a memorable first season for the Forever Coogs, who went 5-1, with wins over Austin’s Own (Texas Alumni), Once A Bronco (Boise St Alumni), Challenge ALS, Team Colorado (Colorado Alumni) and Eberlein Drive. Expect them to be back next season with another strong team.