The Houston Cougars Men’s Basketball team, led by senior forward Devonta Pollard and junior guard Damyean Dotson, powered their way past UT-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (2-3) 78-65, collecting their fourth-straight victory of the season.

Down 45-41 early in the second half, Pollard ignited the Cougars offense with power plays around the basket and effective offensive rebounding, collecting seven offensive boards.

Pollard finished the game with a double-double, 24 points and 12 rebounds. Dotson chipped in with a double-double of his own, scoring 11 points and grabbing 10 boards.

Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson praised the way that his team on their rebounding, especially on the offensive side.

“We really put a huge emphasis on offensive rebounding,” Sampson said. “That is a big part of our game, and tonight you see why.”

The Cougars out-rebounded the Vaqueros 19 to 6 on the offensive glass, 47 to 29 total.

Guard play from junior Ronnie Johnson and sophomore Rob Gray Jr also helped contribute to tonight’s win. Johnson started the game with the first five points for the Cougars, and he ended the game with 11 points and three assists. Gray Jr added 15 points, two assists, one block and two steals off the bench.

Coach Sampson admitted that his team didn’t play the best ball tonight, but it is still early in the season, and his team is still finding their groove.

“Everything was a struggle for us tonight offensively, but I loved our effort, and I loved our spirit out there,” Sampson said. “Our kids stayed together.”

UTRGV gave a good effort against the Cougars. The Vaqueros were led by senior forward Shaquille Hines and freshman guard Antonio Green. Hines finished the game with a team-high 22 points and three rebounds. Green added 15 points and five boards of his own.

The next game for the Vaqueros will be Wednesday at Lamar. Seeking to stay unbeaten, the Cougars play at home on Wednesday against Murray State (5-2).

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