FT’s Big in Houston Boys Comeback

In early December, Houston’s boys felled M-C 53-51 on the strength of a late James Hongerholt driving finger-roll.   In the teams’ re-match, the Hurricanes recovered from a double-digit halftime deficit to get a win and sweep the season series.  The Cougars got off to a 7-0 start and led by 31-20 at intermission.  The lead was still eleven (39-28) five minutes into the second.  But Houston’s 1-3-1 defense was much more effective in the second 18 minutes.  And the ‘Canes, who shot exactly zero free throws in the first half, pitched a tent and built a fire at the charity stripe after intermission.  A Hongerholt rebound put-back gave Houston its first lead, 41-40 (7:32).  From there, Trent Vix’s crew made just one field goal, but hit 11 of 13 free throws.   M-C scored just eight points the final 13 minutes.  Brady Happel grabbed a big 50/50 ball late, to prevent a possible Hurricane turnover.  Houston got the win 52-47.  Hongerholt (20 pts, 7-8 FTs, 6-8 FGs, 15 rebs) had a big double-double to lead the way.  His only second half missed shot (7-8 FTs, 3-3 FGs) was a free throw.  Connor Van Gundy (9 pts) and Alex Van Gundy (8 pts, 9 rebs) helped out.  Mikkel Schutte, a 6’0” guard, had 8 (pts) and 6 (blks).  Drew Wyffels (12 pts, 5 rebs, 7 assists, 4 stls) led M-C.  Blake Henry (11 pts, 7 rebs) also hit double digits.  Houston, with all their attempts coming in the second half, critically won the free throw line 15 of 19 to 5 of 9.  The Cougars fall to 2-4, 5-8.