{"id":476798,"date":"2026-10-26T03:50:29","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T03:50:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/476798\/"},"modified":"2026-10-26T03:50:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T03:50:29","slug":"mens-basketball-rolls-in-exhibition-win-over-16-18-michigan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/476798\/","title":{"rendered":"Men\u2019s Basketball Rolls in Exhibition Win over #16\/18 Michigan"},"content":{"rendered":"

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. \u2013 Senior point guard Dedan Thomas Jr.<\/a> scored 25 points to lead the University of Houston Men’s Basketball team to an 83-66 exhibition win over #16\/18 Michigan during The Battleground 2k26 inside Van Andel Arena on Sunday afternoon.
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\nCompeting in his first season with the Cougars after transferring from LSU, Thomas Jr. connected on 8-of-14 from the field and led all players with seven assists to go with three rebounds and two steals.
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\nThe Las Vegas native was one of four Cougars to score in double figures as graduate forward Delrecco Gillespie<\/a> (16), sophomore forward Chase McCarty<\/a> (15) and junior guard Mercy Miller<\/a> (13) paced the Houston offense.
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\nFifth year guard Roddy Gayle Jr. was the leading scorer for the Wolverines with 14 followed by junior center Moustapha Thiam with 12.
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\nThe Cougars jumped out to a 24-14 lead midway through the first half before the Wolverines used a 15-1 run to build a 29-25 lead on Oscar Goodman’s 3-pointer with just over five minutes remaining in the opening half.
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\nFortunately, the Cougars closed with a 13-2 run and took a 38-31 lead into the locker room at the break.
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\nHouston and Michigan went back and forth in the second half with Houston using an 8-0 run early to push the Cougars to comfortable lead they never relinquish,
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\nPlaying his home state, graduate forward Delrecco Gillespie<\/a> scored 16 points and tied for the team lead with six rebounds. A transfer after playing four seasons at Kent State, Gillespie hails from Benton Harbor, Mich., which is about 80 miles southwest of Grand Rapids, Mich.
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\nMichigan guard Roddy Gayle Jr. led the Wolverines with 14 points while center Moustapha Thiam totaled 12 points with a game-high eight rebounds.
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\nBUY REGULAR-SEASON TICKETS
\nRegular-season single-game home tickets<\/a> for all games inside Fertitta Center are on sale now, and fans are encouraged to purchase quickly while supplies last. Houston will play host to 17 home games inside Fertitta Center with eight in non-conference play and nine in Big 12 action in 2026-27.
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\nFans interested in purchasing group tickets may complete this form<\/a> to be contacted by a member of the Houston Athletics Tickets Sales staff.
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\nNon-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.<\/a>
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\nUP NEXT
\n\u2022 Following Sunday’s game, Houston opens its 2026-27 regular-season schedule when it plays host to La Salle at 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 2, inside Fertitta Center.
\n\u2022 It will be the first meeting against the Explorers since the 1975-76 season.
\n\u2022 That game can be heard on 950 AM KPRC, SiriusXM and the Varsity Network app.
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\nSUPPORT YOUR COOGS
\nFans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men’s Basketball by providing NIL opportunities<\/a> and by joining the 50-50 Club<\/a>, which provides financial support directly to Houston Men’s Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
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\nFans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.
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\nSTAY CONNECTED
\nFans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK<\/a> on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team’s Facebook page at UHCougarMBK<\/a> or by visiting the team’s Instagram page at UHCougarMBK<\/a>.
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\u2013 UHCougars.com \u2013<\/p>\n