University of Houston
5-21 (1-14)
Cincinnati
8-18 (4-11)
Cougars Drop Tough Decision to Cincinnati
2/20/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
HOUSTON â€" The Houston Cougar women's basketball team wrapped up a short two-game home stand falling to Cincinnati inside Hofheinz Pavilion on Saturday.
"The difference in the game was that we were aggressive in the first half and they were aggressive in the second half. The game is two halves," head coach Ronald Hughey said. "The seniors are starting to come together and have a sense of urgency. We need for them to have a little bit more leadership just to be able to pull up the rest of the team. I'm just proud they're sticking it out until the end of the season, even though it hasn't been the best season."
Houston jumped all over the Bearcats in the first half, kicked off by an 8-0 run over the first six and a half minutes of the first quarter. After one, the Cougars held a 12-4 advantage behind four points apiece from senior Marche' Amerson and freshman Serithia Hawkins. The second frame was more of the same for the Cougars who would go on to win the quarter 20-15 and extend their lead to 13 at 32-19 heading into the locker room.
THE BASICS
Score: Cincinnati 67, Houston 61
Records: Houston 5-21 (1-14), Cincinnati 8-18 (4-11)
Date: Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016
Location: Houston, Texas (Hofheinz Pavilion)
TURNING POINT
The Bearcats came roaring back in the second half, opening the third quarter on an 8-0 run by back-to-back 3-pointers by Jasmine Whitfield and Bianca Quisenberry to force a timeout by the Cougars. Houston would weather the storm but not before Cincinnati was able to knot the score at 41. The teams opened the fourth by trading buckets, but after the Bearcats took a 43-21 lead with 9:44 to play, the Cougars would never hold the lead again.
TOP PERFORMERS
Houston: Three Cougars scored in double figures including a game-high 13 from senior Marche' Amerson who also had seven boards. The double-digit game marked the second straight for Amerson as well as Tyler Gilbert who scored 10 to go along with nine rebounds. Senior Jessieka Palmer added 11 points of her own on 4-of-8 shooting.
Cincinnati: The Bearcats got a big nigh from Jasmine Whitfield who picked up a double-double scoring 19 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Alyesha Lovett finished second on the team with 13 points, while collecting seven boards and a game-high three assists.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Houston won the battle on the glass collecting 44 rebounds to Cincinnati's 37. That number included a 17-14 advantage on the offensive end which led to 21 second-chance points for the Cougars.
- Houston's bench played a huge role in the contest, which led to the Cougar non-starters beating the Bearcat subs 19-7 in bench points.
- Houston dominated in the paint and were able to outscore Cincinnati 34-24 down low.
UP NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
The Cougars hit the road for their final road trip of the regular season beginning with a matchup against UCF in Orlando, Fla., on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Tipoff against the Knights is scheduled for 6 p.m., with the game scheduled to air on ESPN3.
$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.
