Arkansas draws crowd

Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson talks to his team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arkansas, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 in Houston. (Wilf Thorne/Houston Chronicle via AP)

HOUSTON — The Arkansas Razorbacks played before a season-low 4,186 fans Saturday night, but the crowd at Texas Southern’s H&PE Arena was the largest the Houston Cougars have drawn in four home games this season.

“I’ll be glad when our program gets to the point where people come see us play,” Houston Coach Kelvin Sampson said after the Cougars beat the Razorbacks 91-65. “I get it, people came to see Arkansas.

“When Arkansas goes home, people go and see them, and that’s good for the kids. I feel badly for our kids sometimes, because people don’t come see them play. I wish they did.”

Houston, which is playing its home games at Texas Southern this season while Hofheinz Pavilion is being renovated, averaged 2,850 in its previous three home games.

“I’m glad to see a big crowd tonight, but I know that was because of Arkansas,” Sampson said. “I know people come to see who we play, but the day will come when they come see us.”