University of Houston
4-12 (0-5)
SMU
7-8 (2-2)
Cougars Drop Heartbreaker 50-48 Against SMU
1/10/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
HOUSTON â€" Sophomore guard Chyanne Butler scored a new career-high 17 points, but the Houston Cougar Women's Basketball team dropped a tough decision falling to in-state rival SMU 50-48, inside Hofheinz Pavilion on Sunday.
"Well, this one is really tough to swallow," Head Coach Ronald Hughey said. "We take the lead at the beginning, and go for three quarters of the game and lose it in the last minute or two just because you didn't box out. We gave up second chance points and turned the ball over the last three or four minutes of the game. This one is tough to swallow."
Houston fell behind 4-0 to start the contest, but the Cougars would roar back on a 15-7 run through most of the first quarter. Butler led the Cougars through the first frame with 11 points, while four other Cougars had two apiece.
THE BASICS
Score: SMU 50, Houston 48
Records: Houston 4-12 (0-5), SMU 7-8 (2-2)
Date: Sunday, January 10, 2016
Location: Houston, Texas (Hofheinz Pavilion)
TURNING POINT
Despite the Cougars leading for over 32 minutes in the contest, SMU was able to outscore Houston 26-17 in the second half to claim the win. The Cougars led 44-43 with just 2:12 to play before SMU forward Keely Froling hit a jumper to give SMU the lead.
The teams traded buckets for the final two minutes, and Houston forced a turnover with just 29 seconds to play and the game tied at 48. Junior guard Kierra Graves had a clean look at a three-pointer with six seconds remaining, but just missed. The rebound came out to Mustang guard Gabrielle Wilkins who was fouled on the rebound. Wilkins would make her two free throws to give SMU the 50-48 win.
TOP PERFORMERS
Houston: Sophomore guard Chyanne Butler scored a career-high 17 points on 7-of-19 shooting in the contest. Butler also tallied a career-high seven steals along with two re bounds and one assist. Senior Jessieka Palmer added 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting, while freshman Serithia Hawkins added a team-high eight rebounds.
SMU: Sophomore forward Alicia Froling led SMU in scoring with 15 points on 7-of-16 shooting. Sophomore guard McKenzie Adams also had double figures with 10 points, while Gabrielle Wilkins picked up a game-high 10 rebounds.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Houston forced 19 SMU turnovers and was able to capitalize with 11 points off turnovers.
- The Cougars had 11 steals in the game including a career-high seven from freshman Chyanne Butler.
- Houston led for 32:48 in the game.
NEWS & NOTES
- The Cougars led 31-24 heading into halftime, and were led by Chyanne Butler's 14 first half points.
- Houston heads out on the road following a two-game home stand. The Cougars will play four of their next five games away from Hofheinz Pavilion.
UP NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
The Cougars head to Greenville, N.C. to take on American Athletic Conference foe East Carolina on Thursday, Jan 14. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m., and will air live via the American Digital Network.
$50 SHASTA PASS NOW AVAILABLE
The Houston Fan Experience Headquarters is proud to offer the Shasta Pass for the 2015-16 athletic season. For only $50, Cougar fans can purchase one Shasta Pass, which allows season-long general admission entrance to all Houston Women's Basketball and Softball home games.
The Shasta Pass offers Houston fans a substantial savings as single-game tickets start at $8 for all four sports. Fans can save $126 alone during the Houston fall sports seasons. To purchase a Shasta Pass, CLICK HERE.
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.
