The University of Houston men’s basketball team played the first game of the season on Monday night at the Fertitta Center. The Coogs cruised to a win over Lehigh University, beating the Mountain Hawks by a score of 75-57. The victory marks the 800th win of head coach Kelvin Sampson’s career.
Head coach Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars reacts on the sideline. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Chris Cenac Jr. #5 of the Houston Cougars slam dunks against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Cougar fans pose with the NCAA Regional Trophy. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Houston Cougars Cheerleader excites fans during the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
The Houston Cougars season tips off. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Chris Cenac Jr. #5 of the Houston Cougars defends against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Houston Cougars cheer on during the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Chris Cenac Jr. #5 of the Houston Cougars backs down to the basket. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Houston Cougars cheer on during the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Emanuel Sharp #21 of the Houston Cougars slam dunks against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Emanuel Sharp #21 of the Houston Cougars slam dunks against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Fans rate Cougar slam dunk. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Emanuel Sharp #21 of the Houston Cougars reacts against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Chris Cenac Jr. #5 of the Houston Cougars shoots over a Mountain Hawk. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Houston Cougars Cheerleader excites fans during the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Isiah Harwell #1 of the Houston Cougars drives to the basket against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
The 2025 Final Four banner is revealed at the Fertitta Center prior to the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Kalifa Sakho #14 of the Houston Cougars battles against Hank Alvey #35 of the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Houston Cougars fans pose prior to the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Edouard Benoit #5 of the Lehigh Mountain Hawks blocks out Chase McCarty #24 of the Houston Cougars. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Kordel Jefferson #0 of the Houston Cougars passes the ball against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Houston Cougars celebrate Coach Sampson’s 800th win. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Joseph Tugler #11 of the Houston Cougars shoots the ball. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Houston Cougars fans pose prior to the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Milos Uzan #7 of the Houston Cougars brings the ball up court. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Mercy Miller #25 of the Houston Cougars dribbles the ball. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Houston Cougars cheer on during the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Kellen and Kelvin Sampson look on from the sideline. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Emanuel Sharp #21 of the Houston Cougars shoots the ball. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Milos Uzan #7 of the Houston Cougars defends the passing lane. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Cougar fans pose prior to the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Emanuel Sharp #21 of the Houston Cougars shoots against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Houston Cougar fans view the trophy case. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Joseph Tugler #11 of the Houston Cougars drives to the basket. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Head coach Brett Reed of the Lehigh Mountain Hawks reacts on the sideline. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Chase McCarty #24 of the Houston Cougars and Edouard Benoit #5 of the Lehigh Mountain Hawks battle for a rebound. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Houston Cougars fans pose prior to the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Kingston Flemings #4 of the Houston Cougars shoots the ball. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars celebrates his 800th win. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Houston Cougars cheer on during the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Kingston Flemings #4 of the Houston Cougars dives for a loose ball. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Houston Cougars Cheerleader excites fans during the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Karen and Kelvin Sampson celebrate his 800th win. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Milos Uzan #7 of the Houston Cougars drives to the basket. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Joseph Tugler #11 of the Houston Cougars shoots over a against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Kingston Flemings #4 of the Houston Cougars shoots the ball. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Houston Cougars Cheerleader excites fans during the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Joseph Tugler #11 of the Houston Cougars reacts against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Milos Uzan #7 of the Houston Cougars drives to the basket. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Isiah Harwell #1 of the Houston Cougars shoots the ball. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Shasta launches a t-shirt in the crowd. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Houston Cougars cheer on during the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Ramon Walker Jr. #3 of the Houston Cougars gets in position to box out. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Milos Uzan #7 of the Houston Cougars looks to pass the ball. Credit: Jack Gorman 
A Canon camera was accidentally kicked on the court by a player. Credit: Jack Gorman 
Lauren Sampson celebrates her father’s 800th win. Credit: Jack Gorman
