On Saturday night at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, the Houston Gamblers (1-2) took on the Memphis Showboats (0-3). Coming into this game, both teams were looking for their first win of the season in the USFL. Both teams fought hard in the second half but it was the Houston Gamblers rallied late in the fourth quarter to beat the Memphis Showboats 30-26.
Houston quarterback Kenji Bahar completed 22 of 36 passes (61.1%) for 235 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and two carries for seven yards. Running back Mark Thompson had a big day with 21 carries for 81 yards, two touchdowns, and three catches for 32 yards.
Wide receiver Justin Hall led the receivers with six catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Houston’s defense allowed 317 yards with 51 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, six pass breakups, and one forced fumble.
Memphis quarterback Cole Kelley completed 21 of 38 passes (55.3%) for 307 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and led the rushers with four carries for 17 yards. Running back Kerrith Whyte had three carries for six yards, two catches for 36 yards, one touchdown, and one kick return for 37 yards.
Wide receiver Ryan McDaniel led the receivers with three catches for 71 yards and one touchdown. Memphis’s defense allowed 365 yards with 73 tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, one interception, and four pass breakups.
Next Saturday, the Houston Gamblers battle the Philadelphia Stars at 1 pm on FOX, followed by the Memphis Showboats against the Michigan Panthers at 7:30 pm on NBC. Tickets for both games are available at StubHub and Viagogo.
