The Cougars bounced back from their season-opening loss against Georgia Southern in the first round of the NBA 2K Classic with a 76-57 pounding on Presbyterian, on Tuesday.
Head coach Tom Penders said his team shook off the jitters that hindered them Monday and responded by playing lockdown defense and putting on an offensive clinic.
"We were tougher mentally and physically than we were last night," Penders said. "I didn’t recognize some guys last night. Kelvin Lewis was so much more aggressive. I couldn’t take him off the floor. Aubrey Coleman slowed down. He only played 21 minutes, but he had 18 points."
Lewis was one of four Houston starters to finish the game with 15 points or more, but Penders said he was more impressed with the junior guard’s hustle. He grabbed nine rebounds and gave extra effort when going for loose balls.
Coleman scored 18 points with limited playing time and added four steals.
Penders said he noticed the difference in the junior guard’s play and added that if Coleman had not been in foul trouble he would have stayed on the floor.
"Offensively he does some things that we haven’t been able to do in the past with guards," Penders said. "He gets in the paint and finishes or passes it off."
Coleman managed to emerge as Houston’s leading scorer as a guard without attempting a single three-pointer, something the Cougars have not seen under Penders.
In two games, the Cougars’ most consistent players have been senior center Marcus Cousin and true freshman point guard Desmond Wade.
Cousin finished as the Cougars’ second leading scorer with 17 points and also added seven rebounds and two assists before fouling out in only 23 minutes of playing time.
"Cousin is a go-to guy," Penders said. "He’s also a good passer. I’m really pleased with Cousin, because he provides a good balance."
Wade turned in another solid night in his young collegiate career. The 5-8 pure point guard had 15 points, four assists and two steals for the Cougars. Penders kept him on the floor for 39 minutes. He also shut down Blue Hose sophomore point guard Pierre Miller and forced him into three turnovers.
"To me, the key to the whole thing is little Desmond," Penders said. "He’s a pure point guard, he doesn’t turn the ball over and he’s excellent on the defensive end."
The jitter-less Cougars will face Western Kentucky 3 p.m. Saturday at Hofheinz Pavilion in their home opener. March Madness fans might remember the Wildcats from their game against UCLA in the Sweet Sixteen last season.
The game could be a true measuring stick for the Cougars early in the season.
