University of Houston
9-16 (2-10)
Cincinnati
15-9 (6-5)
Cougars Fall 71-62 Against Cincinnati
2/11/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
HOUSTON â€" The Houston Cougar Women's Basketball team fell 71-62 to Cincinnati in its return to Hofheinz Pavilion on Saturday. Freshman Angela Harris led the Cougars with 16 points.
Houston jumped out to an early 4-0 lead on a pair of back-to-back buckets from Senior Kierra Graves in the first two minutes of the game. However, Cincinnati's defense would clamp down the remainder of the quarter and hold Houston to just 1-of-13 shooting over the final eight minutes. The Bearcats picked up six first-quarter points from Ana Owens to finish on a 16-2 run and enter the first break ahead 16-6.
The Cougars found their offense in the second quarter, finishing the period 9-of-17 (52.9 percent) from the field. After a jumper from Jasmyne Harris pulled Houston within three at 21-18 however, Nikira Goings caught fire from beyond the 3-point line, hitting back-to-back threes to spark a 21-9 run over the remainder of the frame. Cincinnati finished the quarter 6-of-9 from distance.
Cincinnati's hot shooting continued after the half, and the Bearcats knocked down their first five shots from the field to extend the lead to 54-35. However, Houston refused to go away and used an 8-0 run to climb back within 11 at 54-43. Angela Harris scored five of her team-high 16 points in the quarter, while Serithia Hawkins pulled down five rebounds en route to her ninth career double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds).
Houston looked poised to make a run in the fourth quarter, but after each flurry, Cincinnati proved to have an answer. With 3:58 remaining in the game, Houston put together a mini 4-0 run to cut the lead to 10 for the first time since the second quarter. However, the Cougars would not pull any closer until Harris' layup with two second remaining made the final score 71-62.
THE BASICS
Score: Cincinnati 71, Houston 62
Date: Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017
Location: Hofheinz Pavilion (Houston, Texas)
TURNING POINT
Houston found its spark on offense in the second quarter, however the Bearcats were on fire from beyond the 3-point line, making six of their nine attempts to put the game out of reach.
TOP PERFORMERS
Houston: The Cougars had four players who finished in double figures, led by Angela Harris who scored 16. Jasmyne Harris finished with 13 points, while pulling down six rebounds and assisting on five baskets, while senior Jacqueline Blake added 11 points. Sophomore Serithia Hawkins tallied her ninth career double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Cincinnati: Much like in the first matchup between the two teams, Cincinnati picked up big contributions from Bianca Quisenberry, Ana Owens and Shanice Johnson. Quisenberry led all scorers with 17 points, while Johnson added 13 and a team-high nine rebounds and Owens picked up 12. Nikira Goings also finished with 12 points, while Chelsea Warren scored 10.
NEWS AND NOTES
- Despite falling in the contest, the Cougars committed fewer turnovers than Cincinnati at 12-to-16, leading to a 19-10 advantage in the points-off-turnovers battle.
- Houston was able to get inside and score in the game, outscoring Cincinnati in the paint 28-26.
UP NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
The Cougars head back on the road for a 1-game trip, when they head to Tulsa, Okla., on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Tipoff against the Golden Hurricane is schedule for 7 p.m.
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.
