HOUSTON, Texas – Despite junior forward Simi Socks scoring 17 points and redshirt freshman forward Christian Peevy nearly registering a double-double, Houston outscored the University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball, 50-28, in the second half to pull away en route to a 97-58 win Saturday night from H&PE Arena.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The teams exchanged leads in the early goings. With UIW (3-2) leading by four, 15-11, following a three-pointer by Socks, Houston (4-1) used a 7-0 run to take an 18-15 lead and force the Cardinals to take a timeout.

The Cougars led by as many as nine before UIW came within three following a Socks jumper. After another Socks jumper to make the score 25-22 in favor of the hosts midway through the half, Houston took a timeout to settle the Cougars. The breather worked in the Cougars' favor, as Houston closed the half outscoring UIW, 19-8, to take a 44-30 lead at halftime.

UIW started the second half hot, with a Keaton Hervey layup 11 seconds in, then Shawn Johnson forced a steal in the next Houston possession. But Houston seemed to have an answer to every UIW possession, as the Cougars outscored the Cardinals, 53-28, in the half.

LEADERS

Socks led UIW with 17 points, while Hervey and Peevy finished with 10 points apiece.

Houston's offense was paced with six players with double figures, led by both Wes Vanbeck and Rob Gray with 16 points apiece.

UP NEXT

UIW closes its difficult two-game road swing at No. 17 Gonzaga on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. CT.

STAY TUNED

The Cardinals return to the McDermott Center to host Texas Lutheran on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information on Incarnate Word Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow Incarnate Word Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like Incarnate Word Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.