Gray, Dotson combine for 50 as Houston beats S Florida 70-56 (Dec 31, 2016)

By AP
Published

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Rob Gray Jr. scored 25 points and Damyean Dotson tied his career-high with 25 points as the duo helped lead Houston past South Florida 70-56 on Saturday.

Houston (11-3, 2-0 American Athletic) led 38-34 at halftime, and Troy Holston's jumper with 16:33 to go brought the Bulls to within 42-40. Gray responded with a 3, and Wes VanBeck made a pair of free throws to extend the lead to seven.

The Cougars then went on a 12-1 run in which Dotson had a 3, a layup and a dunk and the score was 59-41. South Florida (6-7, 0-2) was never able to bring the deficit to within single digits.

Houston got its first lead of the game at 33-32 on Gray's layup with 2:37 before halftime.

VanBeck added 11 points for the Cougars.

Holston led the Bulls with 16 points, Malik Fitts finished with 12 points and six rebounds and Tulio Da Silva added 10 points and five boards.