Dominant Home Performance
Dedan Thomas Jr. anchored a commanding offensive effort for the Houston Cougars on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, as the team dismantled the visiting Jacksonville State Gamecocks 92-46. Playing in front of a crowd of 7,035 at Fertitta Center, Houston controlled the tempo from the opening tip, establishing a lead that never wavered.
The Cougars’ ability to generate offense at both ends of the floor was the defining factor in the lopsided result.
First Half Momentum
The game was effectively decided before the halftime buzzer. Houston outscored Jacksonville State 45-23 in the first half, building a substantial cushion early in the contest. Thomas Jr. was instrumental in this surge, contributing three points and multiple assists to keep the offensive flow moving.
The Cougars’ balanced attack allowed them to exploit defensive gaps, while the Gamecocks struggled to find consistent rhythm against the home team’s pressure.
Second Half Control
Houston maintained its dominance in the second half, outscoring the visitors 47-23 to seal the victory. Thomas Jr. finished with a game-high 17 points and seven assists, showcasing his versatility as both a scorer and a playmaker. Joseph Tugler provided a strong presence in the paint, securing eight rebounds to protect the glass.
The steady execution by the Cougars’ core group ensured that the lead remained comfortable throughout the final minutes.
Final Records
The Gamecocks managed 13 points from Naas Cunningham, their leading scorer, but it was not enough to offset the disparity in team performance. Leon Horner contributed four assists, and Jordan Stiemke grabbed seven rebounds for Jacksonville State. With this win, Houston improves to 3-0 on the season, extending its perfect start.
Jacksonville State drops to 1-2. The Cougars will look to maintain this level of consistency as they continue their campaign this season.
Sources
ESPN
