Jherrod Stiggers tallied 17 points for Houston (1-0) and Cavon Baker added 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Three Cougars recorded at least seven rebounds, led by J.C. Washington's eight boards off the bench.

Cameron Payne had 21 points for Murray State (0-1) and Jarvis Williams contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds. Jeffery Moss chipped in 15 points and Justin Seymour scored 12 off the bench.

Payne scored the Racers' first seven points and gave his team an 11-point lead with four minutes left in the first half with a pair of free throws. The Cougars closed the half on a 10-3 run and tied the game at 46 on Danrad Knowles' layup less than three minutes into the second half.

T.J. Sapp and Moss had fast-break scores to help the Racers stretch their lead back out to nine, but Houston answered with an 11-2 run - including Eric Weary Jr.'s 3-pointer and layup - to tie the game at 59 with just over 10 minutes left. Stiggers hit a 3-pointer and Pollard scored seven straight points to give the Cougars the lead for good at 70-66 with just over five minutes to go.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Houston has won four straight against Murray State and leads the series 4-1. ... The Cougars have won 10 of their last 11 season openers. ... Murray State F Jonathan Fairell fouled out with 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation, recording four points and three rebounds.