Sports Briefs

UH Coogs No.1 – Again!

The University of Houston Cougars basketball team is back at No.1 in the AP Polls for the third time this season

The Cougars moved up one spot this week after defeating Memphis and after previous No.1 Alabama relinquished the No.1 spot following its loss to Tennessee.

Curtis Johnson named coach of Gamblers

The USFL has announced NFL veteran offensive assistant coach and former Tulane head coach Curtis Johnson has been hired as the new coach of the Houston Gamblers. Johnson immediately assumes duties from Kevin Sumlin. Last week, Sumlin accepted the offensive coordinator position at University of Maryland.

Roughnecks victorious in return

Following a two-year hiatus, the Houston Roughnecks made a triumphant return to XFL action last weekend when they defeated the Orlando Guardians, 33-12, during the season opener at TDECU Stadium. The Roughnecks came up with seven sacks on former Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch and went on to score 24 unanswered points to give Wade Phillips a win in his debut as the head coach.

SWAC Players of the week

Texas Southern senior forward John Walker III has been tabbed SWAC Impact Player of the Week. Prairie View senior guard Will Douglas has been named SWAC Player of the Week.

Roughnecks wide receiver Deontay Burnett caught eight passes for 90 yards, which included a 46-yard touchdown during the season-opening win.