Thomas Jr. Drives Houston to Dominant Victory
Dedan Thomas Jr. recorded 20 points and eight assists to lead the No. 10 Houston Cougars to a decisive 86-68 victory over the California Golden Bears on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The home team controlled the pace throughout the contest at the Tahoe Blue Event Center in Stateline, Nevada, where 2,496 fans witnessed a performance that extended Houston’s season-opening momentum.
The Cougars improved to a 2-0 record, while the Golden Bears fell to 2-1 on the season.
Houston Builds Early Lead
The scoring plays indicate Houston established a commanding advantage early in the first half. The Cougars outscored the Golden Bears 43-32 in the first half, with Thomas Jr. facilitating key baskets from the perimeter and inside. California’s Michael Cooper provided a spark for the visitors, finishing with 19 points, but the Golden Bears could not sustain their offensive rhythm against Houston’s balanced attack.
The first half saw Houston build a double-digit cushion that would prove insurmountable as the game progressed.
Second Half Seals the Result
Houston maintained its momentum in the second half, extending the lead to 43 points at one point before the final score settled at 86-68. Delrecco Gillespie contributed significantly on the glass, grabbing eight rebounds for the Cougars, while Mercy Miller added crucial points late in the game.
On the other side of the ball, Jordan Ross led California with five assists, and Semetri Carr provided support with six rebounds. However, the Golden Bears’ efforts were not enough to overcome Houston’s efficient shooting and defensive pressure.
Season Records Update
The result leaves the Houston Cougars undefeated with a 2-0 record, showcasing their strong start to the season. The California Golden Bears now sit at 2-1 following the loss. The game featured strong performances from both rosters, with Houston’s top performers including Thomas Jr. and Gillespie, and California’s leaders including Cooper, Ross, and Carr.
The contest concluded with Houston securing a comfortable win in front of a modest crowd at the Tahoe Blue Event Center.
Sources
ESPN
