University of Houston Athletics
University of Houston
6-5
UTSA
3-7
Houston Outlasts UTSA 56-49
12/19/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
SAN ANTONIO â€" The Houston Cougar Women's Basketball team opened the Rae & Craig Blair Memorial Tournament with a 56-49 win over the host school UTSA on Monday. The Cougars won their third straight game and fifth out of their last six.
Houston's defense was the story in the first half, and the Cougars held the Roadrunners off the scoreboard for the first 5:29 of the game. UTSA shot just 15.8 percent (3-of-19) from the field in the first quarter, while the Cougars jumped out to an 11-6 lead after one.
Neither team's defense let up in the second quarter, but the Cougars were able to extend the lead to seven, thanks to six points from senior Kierra Graves. Houston again held UTSA to just three made baskets in the frame, and the Roadrunners finished the first half shooting 6-of-32 (18.8 percent) from the field.
UTSA came out on fire to start the second half and put up a 10-0 run in the first 1:30 of the third quarter. However, after Head Coach Ronald Hughey called timeout, Houston was able to weather the storm and added a 9-4 run of their own. Freshman Jasmyne Harris played a key role in righting the ship, scoring eight points in the quarter on 4-of-5 shooting from the field.
The final quarter was a back-and-forth affair for the two teams, trading buckets and miniature runs throughout. With 7:01 remaining in the game, sophomore Serithia Hawkins hit a shot to extend the lead to 10 at 43-33. The Roadrunners were able to answer and with 1:26 remaining cut the lead to five at 48-43. However, the Cougars were able to hold the charge, finishing the quarter on an 8-3 run to win the game.
THE BASICS
Score: Houston 56 (6-5), UTSA 49 (3-7)
Date: Monday, Dec. 19, 2016
Location: San Antonio, Texas (Convocation Center)
TURNING POINT
After a 10-0 run to start the second half, UTSA claimed the lead 24-21 with eight minutes remaining in the quarter. After a Hughey timeout, the Cougars answered UTSA's run with a 6-0 mark of their own, and Houston would never trail again.
TOP PERFORMERS
Houston: Harris once again led the Cougars in scoring with 16 points, while Hawkins and Graves each finished with eight. Harris has averaged 16.4 points per game over her last five contests. Hawkins was dominant on the glass, matching a career-high with 14 rebounds.
UTSA: The Roadrunners top scorer was Loryn Goodwin who scored 21 points before fouling out late in the contest. UTSA also picked up 10 points from Tesha Smith who just missed a double-double after leading the team with eight rebounds.
NEWS AND NOTES
- Despite being outrebounded on the offensive end 15-9, the Cougars won the second-chance points category 9-5.
- With the win, Houston improves to 20-1 in the all-time series with UTSA.
- Houston's sixth victory set a new high for non-conference wins under Hughey. The Cougars will have two chances remaining (Central Arkansas and Alcorn State) to add to that total.
UP NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
The Cougars return to the court on Tuesday to meet Central Arkansas at 4 p.m., inside the Convocation Center. The two squads will meet in the Rae & Craig Blair Memorial Tournament championship game after the Sugar Bears defeated Liberty 61-41 in the opening game of the tournament.
PURCHASE A SHASTA PASS
The Houston Athletics Ticket Office is proud to offer the Shasta Pass for the 2016-17 athletic season. For just $80, Cougar fans can purchase one Shasta Pass, which allows season-long general admission entrance to all Houston Women's Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Softball home games. Fans can order a Shasta Pass by clicking .
FLOOR SEATS SEASON TICKET PACKAGE
The Houston Athletics Ticket Office also offers a Floor Seats season ticket package. For just $250, fans will have courtside access to all 14 Houston home games in 2016-17. Fans can purchase a season ticket package for Floor Seats by clicking HERE.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Single-game tickets for all 14 games inside Hofheinz Pavilion are on sale now via the Houston Athletics Ticket Office. Prices begin at just $5 for general admission seats and range up to $20 for floor seats. General admission group tickets are offered to parties of 10+ for $3 each. Single-game tickets can be purchased 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.
