Houston Basketball Cruises By Troy At Home: 3 Takeaways

#15 Houston basketball won consecutive games at home after easily taking care of the Troy Trojans 62-42 to improve to 6-3 on the year.

This was the 27th straight win in Fertitta Center, which is the longest home winning streak in the nation. 

The Cougars jumped out to a 14-4 lead just under halfway through the first half. Graduate guard LJ Cryer hit a three followed by a turnaround jump shot off a turnover and another three later in the period that gave UH a dominant 33-8 lead. UH went on a 25-4 run to build up this advantage. Houston allowed only 11 first half points, and led by 22 at the half with 16 points from Cryer. 

After maintaining their 20-point lead, Houston eventually got out to their biggest lead of the game at 31 after a three-pointer from junior guard Emanuel Sharp. Troy was able to get some late shots in as the Cougars won by 20. Sharp scored 14 points, and graduate forward J’Wan Roberts added a game high nine rebounds, along with two steals and a pair of blocked shots. Houston improved to 2-0 vs Troy all-time in their first time playing since 2009. 

Takeaway #1: Houston’s historic first-half defense

UH set a school record for the fewest points allowed in a half with just 11 for the Trojans. The previous low was 12 points by UConn back in 2016. The Cougars allowed Troy to shoot only 17% overall from the field in the first half, along with 1/9 from the three-point line. Overall, Houston limited Troy to a poor 24% total from the field and just 11% from three in an incredible effort. 

“Our defense is getting more connected, the kids are starting to know where to go and where to be. Our communication is much better,” coach Kelvin Sampson said. 

Takeaway #2: LJ Cryer’s consistency

The 6’1 guard has been the best player in offense for the Cougars so far this season. Cryer scored a game-high 22 points along with being on fire from downtown making six out his seven attempts. This was Cryer’s third straight game with 20 or more points, his fourth 20-point game overall this season and 29th of his career. The Katy, Texas native became the first Cougar with three straight 20+ point games since he did it himself last season in Big 12 play. Cryer is averaging 16 PPG and is the key point contributor for Houston.

Sampson mentioned postgame how Cryer showed up in this game like how former guard and now 1st-round draft pick for the Detroit Pistons Marcus Sasser would. Cryer mentioned how he needs to be that guy for this team. 

“I have a lot of trust in that young man, he’s got a lot of winner in him and he’s really developing,” Sampson said. 

Takeaway #3: Myles Rigsby with a very tough night

Houston and the coaching staff led by Kelvin Sampson generally have a strong gameplan against the opposition’s top players. It was no different in this case as sophomore forward Myles Rigsby who led Troy in scoring was held to only three points and three rebounds, along with two turnovers and four fouls. It’s a signature of the tough Houston defense for the opposition’s top players to struggle in Fertitta Center. 

Up next for Houston (6-3): vs. Toledo (6-3) – Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. EST

Up next for Troy (5-4): vs. Middle Georgia State – Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. EST