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Houston cruises past Jacksonville State 92-46 at Fertitta Center

Dedan Thomas Jr. led Houston with 17 points and seven assists as the Cougars dominated Jacksonville State in a lopsided 92-46 victory on Wednesday night.

Marlene Keller· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

November 12, 20262 min read

court victory - illustration, Jake Team LLC
NCAA Men's BasketballFinal
Jacksonville State Gamecocks46
Houston Cougars92

November 11, 2026

Dominant Win for the Cougars

The Houston Cougars secured a decisive 92-46 victory over the visiting Jacksonville State Gamecocks at the Fertitta Center on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The win improves Houston’s record to 3-0, while Jacksonville State falls to 1-2 in their early-season schedule. An attendance of 7,035 witnessed a performance defined by offensive efficiency and defensive pressure that left little room for the Gamecocks to mount a challenge.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Houston established control immediately, jumping out to a 45-23 lead by halftime. The Cougars’ offense was relentless, utilizing a mix of three-point shooting and aggressive drives to build an insurmountable advantage early. Dedan Thomas Jr. was instrumental in this first-half surge, contributing significantly to the scoring output that put Houston ahead before the break.

The second half saw Houston extend their dominance, outscoring Jacksonville State 47-23. The Gamecocks struggled to find rhythm against Houston’s defensive schemes, managing only 46 total points for the entire game. Despite some late-game scoring bursts from both sides, the margin remained wide throughout, with Houston never trailing or seriously threatened after the opening minutes.

Key Performers and Statistics

Dedan Thomas Jr. was the standout player for Houston, leading all scorers with 17 points while also serving as the primary playmaker with seven assists. His ability to score from multiple areas of the floor and facilitate for teammates was crucial in maintaining the Cougars' offensive flow.

Joseph Tugler provided strong support on the glass, grabbing eight rebounds to help secure possession and limit second-chance opportunities for Jacksonville State.

For Jacksonville State, Naas Cunningham led the team in scoring with 13 points, attempting to keep his squad competitive through consistent shooting. Leon Horner distributed the ball effectively for the Gamecocks, recording four assists, while Jordan Stiemke contributed seven rebounds. However, individual efforts were not enough to overcome Houston’s balanced attack and superior execution.

Season Implications

This victory marks a strong start to the season for the Houston Cougars, who continue to build momentum at home. The 46-point performance by Jacksonville State highlights significant gaps in their defensive structure against high-powered offenses. As both teams move forward, Houston will look to maintain this level of play, while Jacksonville State must address the defensive lapses that allowed such a large margin.

Sources

ESPN

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Marlene Keller· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

Marlene Keller covers Melissa high school and area college sports.

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