Houston beats Temple 77-50 behind Johnson, Gray

Jan 2, 2017, 06:39 pm

PHILADELPHIA -- Rob Gray Jr. had 23 points, Ronnie Johnson added 17, and Houston beat Temple 77-50 on Saturday for the Cougars' fourth straight victory.

Houston scored the first six points of the game and held Temple to without a field goal for seven-plus minutes during a 17-1 run for a 37-17 lead. Johnson scored 11 points during the spurt, including a 3-pointer to cap it.

Johnson had 14 points in the first half for Houston (12-2, 2-0 American Athletic). Devonta Pollard finished with 12 points and LeRon Barnes had eight points and 13 rebounds to help the Cougars hold a 41-30 advantage on the glass.

Gray took over in the second half with a 14-point showing, including two 3-pointers in the first five minutes.

Obi Enechionyia and Quenton DeCosey led Temple (6-6, 1-1) with nine points apiece. The Owls were just 3 of 23 from 3-point range (13 percent).