Houston couldn’t have asked for a better result in its home opener against Morehead State on Friday night.
In their 84-54 win, the Cougars put forth a defensive effort and matched it with a type of execution that had been lacking since the likes of Brian Latham, Oliver Lafayette, Lanny Smith and Ramon Dyer terrorized the courts during the 2005-06 season.
The Cougars applied immense pressure on the ball, played the passing lanes and stayed with their assignments, making it difficult for the Eagles to accomplish anything.
All in all, the Cougars’ defensive efforts resulted in 28 Eagle turnovers, including 12 steals.
"It starts with coach (head coach Tom) Penders emphasizing defense, and then we’ve got the best defensive-minded coach in the NCAA in (associate coach) Melvin Haralson," senior guard Dion Dowell said. "He’s tough on us. You see him on the sidelines going crazy, but he loves defense. … That’s how were going to get to the NCAA Tournament – with our defense."
Penders said he knows what made his team’s defense run so smoothly in its season opener. The return of court-leader and fifth-year senior Smith played a huge role.
"The first thing Lanny Smith brings to the floor is all-out defense," Penders said. "That’s what we missed so much last year. Then he brings some floor generalship. He knows where people are supposed to be and he did an excellent job of running the offense."
The play of true freshman Brockeith Pane at point guard undoubtedly made a difference on the floor too.
"When we recruited Brockeith Pane, that’s the reason why we recruited him, because he’s just one of those kinds of physical, quick guards that nobody wants to have on them. He can get up and pressure the ball," Penders said.
Smith and Pane accounted for half of Houston’s steals, and were responsible for three thefts each.
Smith worked his magic offensively by crossing over Eagle defenders and setting up teammates on his way to recording five assist, while Pane muscled his way through the lane, picking up fouls in the process.
Dowell and fellow senior guard Robert "Fluff" McKiver combined to hit five consecutive three-point shots in a span of two minutes to give the Cougars an early 15-1 lead. Houston would never surrender its lead.
