Houston clamps down, defeats Tulane 63-45

Jan 6, 2016, 12:21 am

HOUSTON -- Rob Gray, Jr. scored 15 points while Devonta Pollard and Danrad Knowles added 13 apiece, and Houston defeated Tulane 63-45 Tuesday night to remain unbeaten in American Athletic Conference play.

Houston (13-2, 3-0) led 6-5 at the first media timeout, but steadily walked away from Tulane to lead 37-17 at halftime and generally held a 20-point lead the rest of the game.

The Cougars outrebounded Tulane 50-32, collaring 30 defensive rebounds and making just seven turnovers.

The Green Wave (7-9, 0-3) made 17 field goals while shooting 32 percent (17 of 52), and getting just nine offensive rebounds. With 11 points, Malik Morgan was the only player to reach double figures, and that came on Tulane's last basket of the game.

LeRon Barnes collected a career-best 14 rebounds for Houston, which is 3-0 for the first time since the 2007-08 season to open its conference schedule.