[{"document_url": "https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/cougars/article/Thomas-bench-brigade-key-UH-s-win-over-Central-5259687.php", "unformatted_src": "https://s.hdnux.com/photos/26/47/26/5928367/3/600x600.jpg", "src": "https://s.hdnux.com/photos/26/47/26/5928367/3/600x600.jpg"}, null]
Houston's TaShawn Thomas goes up for two of his 11 points over Central Florida's Kasey Wilson, left, and Staphon Blair in Saturday's game at Hofheinz Pavilion.
Photo: Bob Levey

TaShawn Thomas had fought through double teams and struggled to 3-of-11 shooting Saturday.

Even so, Houston's plan going into the final minutes of a close game was no secret: Get the ball to Thomas, the team's leading scorer.

He answered with a pair of crucial assists.

Thomas set up two late 3-pointers by Brandon Morris and Danuel House with less than two minutes remaining as the Cougars pulled away late for an 88-84 victory over Central Florida in front of an announced crowd of 7,028 at Hofheinz Pavilion.

"TaShawn does what he always does. When he gets the double team, he reads and (finds the open shooter)," UH coach James Dickey said. "It was inside-outside. That's the best way to shoot a 3."

Bench brigade plays big

House had 18 points and Jherrod Stiggers added 17 off the bench, including 5-of-7 from 3-point range. The Cougars (13-14, 5-9 American Athletic Conference) won for only the third time in their last 12 games.

"We needed a win," senior forward J.J. Richardson said.

Dickey said UH had its "most positive contribution off the bench" all season, with several players making key contributions. The UH bench accounted for 40 points.

Richardson, the Cougars' 6-8, 255-pound reserve forward, might have had the toughest challenge, spending eight minutes locked against the Knights' 6-10, 310-pound center Justin McBride. McBride had only four of his 10 points in the second half. LeRon Barnes had six points on 3-of-4 shooting, Tione Womack scored five points during a tight stretch midway through the second half and Jaaron Simmons added three points.

"I thought everybody that came in really contributed," Dickey said.

Rebounds still an issue

UH shot 58.3 percent and was 10-of-16 from 3-point range. But Dickey lamented poor defensive play that allowed Central Florida to shoot 48 percent and nearly wipe out a 10-point deficit in the final 44 seconds.

The Knights, the AAC's top rebounding team, held a 39-27 edge, including 18 offensive boards. It marked the fourth consecutive game the Cougars have been outrebounded.

After leading most of the second half, UH nearly blew an eight-point advantage as Central Florida pulled within 74-72 with 3:27 remaining. L.J. Rose (12 points and seven rebounds) made a free throw, and Morris and House hit back-to-back 3s to push the lead back to 81-72.

Tristan Spurlock had a game-high 21 points, and Isaiah Sykes added 19 points and 13 rebounds for the Knights.

