No. 10/8 Houston beat California 86-68 in the inaugural Caesars Lake Tahoe Classic, improving to 2-0. Dedan Thomas Jr. led the Cougars with 20 points and eight assists, while Houston controlled the paint and forced turnovers to build a lead as large as 23 points.

By the Numbers
  • Houston shot 52% from the field; California shot 44%.
  • Houston outscored California 50-24 in the paint.
  • The Cougars forced 16 turnovers and turned them into 22 points.
  • Four Houston players scored in double figures.
Yes, But

California cut the deficit to 13 with a 14-4 run in the second half, but Houston responded and kept the lead in double digits the rest of the way.

What's Next

Houston hosts Jacksonville State on Wednesday, Nov. 11, before traveling to Las Vegas for the Players Era 8 Championship, Nov. 17-19.

Bottom Line

Houston’s efficient offense, pressure defense and advantage inside carried the Cougars to a convincing neutral-site win.