Houston picked up a win in the Diamond Head Classic semifinals and SMU won at home in American Athletic Conference men's basketball action on Monday (Dec. 23). 

Houston 70, Georgia Tech 59 - Box Score

HONOLULU (AP) -- Quentin Grimes scored 23 of his game-high 26 points before halftime and Houston fended off Georgia Tech 70-59 in a Diamond Head Classic semifinal Monday.

The Cougars (9-3) never trailed and led by as many as 13 points in claiming their seventh win in eight games, including their last three.

Grimes shot 10 of 11 from the field in the first half and was 10 of 15 for the game. He finished five points shy of his tying career-high of 31 points, which he set earlier this season in a win over Rice.

Fabian White Jr. recorded his first double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds for Houston.

Moses Wright led the Yellow Jackets (5-6) with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Michael Devoe added 17 points and Jordan Usher added 10.

Georgia Tech got within 56-51 on a pair of Jose Alvarado free throws with 4:24 left to play. However, the Cougars answered with a 7-0 run that included a Nate Hinton three-point play to separate.

Houston led 43-32 at halftime.

SMU 85, Georgia State 76 - Box Score

DALLAS (AP) -- Kendric Davis and Feron Hunt scored 18 points apiece as SMU defeated Georgia State 85-76 on Monday night.

Davis made 12 of 13 free throws and had nine assists. Hunt had seven rebounds.

Tyson Jolly added 17 points and eight rebounds for the Mustangs, while Isiaha Mike had 15 points and 12 boards. SMU (9-2) put up 48 points in the second half, a season best for the team.

Kane Williams scored a season-high 22 points for the Panthers (8-4), whose seven-game win streak came to end. Corey Allen added 18 points and Justin Roberts had 16 points.