Cougars unload flood of points on Panthers

Kelvin Sampson compares the University of Houston’s newfound roster depth to Noah’s ark.

Then came the flood Wednesday night.

The Cougars unleashed the new look in a 110-69 win over Prairie View A&M in the season opener at Hofheinz Pavilion.

Devonta Pollard had 25 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and three steals as the Cougars matched their highest scoring opener since 2009.

A pair of transfers making their debuts, Damyean Dotson had 21 points, and Ronnie Johnson added 17 points, six rebounds and six assists.

“I thought we just wore them down,” Sampson said.

Sampson freely used substitutions, a luxury he didn’t have a year ago as the Cougars struggled to 19 losses in his first season. Against Prairie View, Sampson used all 11 available players as UH led by at least 30 points the final nine minutes of the game.

UH newcomers accounted for 72 points. All but one player scored for the Cougars.

“We’ve said all along the strength of our team is going to be our depth,” Sampson said. “We don’t have just one guy we depend on. The way this team is built, we can play with different combinations. We can be big, we can be small or we can be fast.”

Introducing the newlook, up-tempo Cougars:

• Pollard scored at will and swatted balls in all directions.

• Dotson hit a 3-pointer one trip down the floor and delivered an alley-oop dunk on the next.

• Johnson had a beautiful no-look pass and regularly drove to the basket.

• Rob Gray Jr., the Cougars’ top scorer on this summer’s trip to China, had 12 points off the bench before fouling out.

“These early games are all about getting these new guys’ feet wet,” Sampson said.

Ahead 52-33 at halftime, the Cougars pulled away in the opening minutes of the second half. Pollard had nine points during a 13-2 run.

UH kept the pressure, forcing 13 turnovers while shooting 62.5 percent in the second half. Pollard and Dotson combined to shoot 12-of-14 for 33 points.

UH made 25 of 26 free throws.

“We’re improved,” Sampson said. “We’re a lot better basketball team.”

Tevin Bellinger had 19 points and Admassu Williams added 17 for Prairie View (0-2).

The Cougars held a 42-