University of Houston Athletics
University of Houston
6-12 (1-6)
USF
15-4 (6-1)
Cougars Hang Tough in Loss to USF
1/21/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
HOUSTON - The University of Houston women's basketball team fought hard from start to finish on Wednesday night in a 71-55 loss to USF at Hofheinz Pavilion. Alecia Smith was Houston's top performer, with 22 points.
"We did bring it to them tonight," said Houston Head Coach Ronald Hughey. "I'm really proud of the way we played tonight. (If we) make a few more shots, we are right there."
The Cougars made life difficult for USF throughout the night, including a late first half run that closed the gap to seven points at intermission. Even after USF built a sizeable second half lead, Houston never quit, ending the game on an 11-2 run.
Smith came off the bench for the first time this season and provided a huge spark, reaching a season-high with her 22-point effort. The junior connected on 6-of-7 3-point attempts for her first 20-point performance of 2014-15.
 | THE BASICS |
Score: USF 71, Houston 55
Records: Houston 6-12 (1-6 American), USF 15-4 (6-1 American)
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015
Location: Houston, Texas (Hofheinz Pavilion)
| TURNING POINT |
Houston scored the final seven points of the first half and went into the locker room with loads of momentum, down 30-23. But the Bulls opened the second period on a 7-0 run, capped by a Courtney Williams jumper at the 17:23 mark, to build a 37-23 lead and reestablish control. Houston battled for the remainder of the game, but was unable to overcome the visitors.
| TOP PERFORMERS |
Houston: Smith hit six 3-pointers for the first time this season and was one of three Cougars in double-figures. Marche' Amerson and Jessieka Palmer each scored 10 points.
USF: Williams led all players with 24 points, and Alisia Jenkins accounted for 19 points and 13 rebounds.
| INSIDE THE BOX SCORE |
- USF shot 52.6 percent (30-for-57) from the field, and Houston finished at 36.1 percent (22-for-61).
- The Cougars scored 32 of their 55 points after halftime, and shot 42.9 percent (12-for-28) after the break.
- Houston finished 8-for-20 (40 percent) from 3-point territory. The Cougars have reached the 40 percent mark from downtown four times this season.
- Bianca Winslow made her first start of the season and led the Cougars with five assists. It's the third consecutive game Winslow has been Houston's top distributor.
- Amerson matched a career high with four steals. The junior has finished with four steals in three of Houston's last six games.
- Palmer led the Cougars with seven points at the break, while Amerson and Smith had six each.
| NEWS & NOTES |
- Houston went with a different starting lineup for the first time in American play.
- Smith finished just two points shy of her best career scoring performance. The Cedar Hill native scored 24 points against Texas State on Dec. 22, 2012.
- Tyler Gilbert wasted little time rejecting her first shot of the night, tallying a block just 1:43 into the game. She finished with two and has now blocked at least one shot in 17 of Houston's 18 contests.
- Winslow blocked a shot for the first time this season and the fourth time in her career.
- The Bulls entered the game receiving votes in both major college basketball polls.
- USF is now 10-6 all-time against the Cougars.
| UP NEXT FOR THE COUGARS |
Houston travels to Memphis on Saturday for a 2 pm CT contest. Live video coverage of the game is available on the American Digital Network, and fans can listen live at UHCougars.com/wbbradio.
The Cougars won their last meeting with Memphis, a 73-67 victory on March 7, 2014 in the opening round of the American Athletic Conference Championship. Amerson scored a career-high 24 points in the win.
Houston's next home game is Tuesday, Jan. 27 against Tulane. Tickets are available for just $8. | TICKETS
| STAY CONNECTED |
Fans can receive daily information and in-game updates by following @UHCougarWBB on Twitter. Fans can also catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at facebook.com/UHCougarWBB .
| BUY SEASON TICKETS |
Fans can purchase season tickets for the 2014-15 women's basketball season by clicking here and visiting the official Athletics Ticket Office Page at UHCougars.com. Season tickets start at just $99.
To purchase tickets in person, fans can visit the Athletics Ticket Stadium Office located on the northeast corner of TDECU Stadium, just outside of Gate 1 off Cullen Boulevard. Parking is available in the TDECU Stadium parking garage with the first 30 minutes free of charge. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m., to 5:30 p.m.
Under Hughey's leadership, the Cougars will play 11 contests against teams who qualified for NCAA postseason play a year ago with eight of those against American Athletic Conference rivals.
All UH main campus students are admitted FREE to regular season women's basketball home games with a valid student ID.
