Nov. 13, 2002

Houston, Texas - The University of Houston completed a hectic Wednesday with an 85-70 victory over Team Nike in the Cougars' first exhibition game of the 2002-03 season. Head coach Ray McCallum began the day signing five players on the first day of the early signing period. Those five players were 6-3 Lanny Smith, 6-4 shooting guard Parker Pinkalla, 6-8 small forward Andrew Francis, 6-10 center Elijah Miller and 6-9 power forward Darrius Brannon.

Then, Louis Truscott and Andre Owens combined for 42 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Cougars to their win over Team Nike. Truscott led the way with 23 points and 12 rebounds, both game highs. Owens opened his Cougar career with 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

The Cougars took control of the game early as Truscott and Owens each scored 11 points to lead Houston to a 40-23 halftime lead.

"We did a great job in the first half holding them to 23 points," McCallum said. "Louis came out and picked it up in the middle of the first half and Andre did a good job running the show. I was very pleased we had only 10 turnovers in the game."

Team Nike came out in the second half and outscored the Cougars 47-45.

"They came out in the second half and got better ball movement," McCallum said. "We played like the game was over and that's the sign of a young team."

Houston will play its second exhibition game on Monday, November 18, against Texas Blue Chips before opening the regular season against Prairie View A&M on November 23. Both the Texas Blue Chips and Prairie View A&M contests will tip off at 7:30 p.m.

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