Dec. 27, 2000

Box Score

EL PASO, Texas (AP) - George Williams scored 19 points, including four in the game's last minute, to lead Houston to a 69-64 victory over Southeast Missouri State Wednesday night in the first round of the Sierra Providence Sun Classic.

Leading 63-61 with 57 seconds to play, Williams had four of the Cougars' (3-7) six points to seal the victory.

Dominic Smith followed with 18 points and a game-high six assists, while Patrick Okafor added 17 points.

The teams were tied at 45 with 7:24 to play, but the Cougars went on a 10-2 run to take a 55-47 lead with 5:31 to play. The Indians (7-4) brought the game within two points, 61-59, with 1:24 to play.

Antonio Short and Michael Stokes led the Indians with 15 points each. Emmanuel McCuthison added 13 points.

The Cougars will play Texas-El Paso (8-1) Thursday in the championship game. Texas-El Paso defeated Jackson State (0-11) 101-81. Southeast will play Jackson State in the consolation game.