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Cougars Dominate La Salle in Season Opener
4 Nov
Summary
- Houston Cougars secured a dominant 94-55 victory over La Salle.
- Senior Dedan Thomas Jr. led scoring with 16 points and five assists.
- Freshman Arafan Diane impressed in his debut with 10 points.
The No. 10 Houston Cougars commenced their 2026-27 season with an emphatic 94-55 victory over La Salle at Fertitta Center. Senior point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. ignited the offense, scoring 16 points and dishing out five assists. The team displayed a revamped scoring approach, prioritizing paint penetration with 44 points in the key.
Freshman center Arafan Diane, a highly-touted prospect, made a notable debut, tallying 10 points and four rebounds in just 20 minutes. The Cougars' frontcourt depth was evident, with significant contributions from Delrecco Gillespie and Braden East, helping to manage foul trouble for Joseph Tugler.
Corey Hadnot II also provided a crucial spark off the bench, adding 14 points and five assists. This win extends Houston's impressive streak of winning season openers to 18 consecutive games. The team's next challenge is the Caesars Lake Tahoe Classic against California.
