University of Houston
2-0,0-0Big 12
California
2-1,0-0ACC
| Team | 1 | 2 | F |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 32 | 36 | 68 |
| Houston | 43 | 43 | 86 |
11/8/2026 10:21:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Cougars earn victory in Caesars Lake Tahoe Classic
LAKE TAHOE NEV. – Four Cougars scored in double digits to lead the #10/8 University of Houston Men's Basketball team to a 86-68 win over California during the inaugural Caesars Lake Tahoe Classic inside Tahoe Blue Event Center on Sunday.
For a second consecutive game, senior point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. led the team with 20 points and eight assists. Senior forward Joseph Tugler added 16 points and four blocked shots while senior forward Delrecco Gillespie added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars (2-0), who shot 52% from the field and outscored the Golden Bears 50-24 in the paint. Sophomore forward Chase McCarty had 11 points, thanks to three 3-pointers.
Houston turned an 11-point halftime advantage into a 23-point lead midway through the second half. California answered with a 14-4 run to pull within 13, but the Cougars maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way behind efficient shooting and a dominant inside game.
Houston forced 16 turnovers, converting them into 22 points. The Cougars finished with 14 steals and seven blocked shots while holding California to 44 percent shooting.
Houston led 43-32 at halftime and extended its advantage to 23 points in the second half. The Cougars led throughout after taking the lead in the opening moments.
With his layup early in the second half, Gillespie moved past 1,000 points in his full collegiate career. The Benton Harbor, Mich., native scored 984 points in his first four seasons at Kent State before transferring to Houston during the summer.
The Cougars were boosted by the addition of graduate guard Chendall Weaver, who made his Houston debut. After receiving a temporary restraining order from a Texas District Court earlier in the week, Weaver was allowed to play. The Arlington, Texas, native scored six points and grabbed six rebounds, including three offensive boards, and added three steals in the win.
Mady Cooper led California (2-1) with 19 points, making five 3-pointers. Jordan Ross added 15 points and five assists for the Golden Bears, who made 9-of-26 attempts from beyond the arc.
POSTGAME NOTES
• The Cougars moved to 5-3 against California and snapped a two-game losing streak to the Golden Bears. Houston earned its first win against California since a 54-51 victory inside Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston on Dec. 9, 1997.
• Houston Head Coach Kelvin Sampson improved to 831-361 during his career and moved to 332-91 during his Houston tenure.
• Sampson improved to 10-7 against California during his career. Sampson moved to 1-0 against California as Houston's head coach.
• Sampson collected his fourth straight win against California.
• Sampson moved to 1-0 against California Head Coach Mark Madsen during their careers. Sampson improved to 1-0 in neutral-site games against Madsen during their careers.
• Sampson moved into a tie for 12th (among coaches with 10+ seasons at Division I) with Cliff Ellis in NCAA history. He broke out of a tie for 13th with Mount St. Mary's Jim Phelan.
BUY REGULAR-SEASON TICKETS
Regular-season single-game home tickets 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 15 more regular-season home games inside Fertitta Center with six in non-conference play and nine in Big 12 action in 2026-27.
Fans interested in purchasing group tickets may complete this form to be contacted by a member of the Houston Athletics Tickets Sales staff.
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.
UP NEXT
• Following Sunday's game, Houston returns to Fertitta Center to play host to Jacksonville State at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11.
• That game can be seen on ESPN+.
• From there, the Cougars hit the road again to compete at the Players Era 8 Championship inside Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 17-19.
• Houston opens that event at 1 p.m. (CST), Tuesday, Nov. 17, against Rutgers before facing the winner/loser from Florida/Notre Dame on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
• Houston's final-day opponent will come from Auburn/West Virginia/Kansas/UNLV and be played at a time to be determined on Thursday, Nov. 19.
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC, SiriusXM and the SiriusXM app and the Varsity Network.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the 50-50 Club, which provides financial support directly to Houston Men's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
Fans 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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Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK 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 or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.
– UHCougars.com –
