Houston Clips Auburn in Home Opener

Saturday, December 5

Houston, Texas

12 p.m.

University of Houston

2-1,0-0AAC

Auburn

3-1,0-0SEC

Auburn

Houston

Photo by: Wilf Thorne

12/5/2020 4:09:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Auburn Game Book (PDF)Photo Gallery

Three Cougars record double-digit scoring efforts

HOUSTON – The University of Houston Women's Basketball team recorded its first win in program history over Auburn (3-1, 0-0 SEC) with a 71-61 victory in its home opener at the Fertitta Center on Saturday afternoon.

Houston (2-1, 0-0 American) had three players in double-digits led by Dymond Gladney with 18 points, as Britney Onyeje added 15 points. Daphane White led UH with a career-high seven rebounds to go along with a career-high points. Julia Blackshell-Fair recorded seven assists to lead UH in the category. Gladney and Onyeje combined for eight made three-pointers as Houston shot 40.6 percent from the field including 33.3 percent from three-point range.

Defensively, Houston forced 23 Auburn turnovers and racked up 11 steals.

Auburn's Unique Thompson posted a double-double with 26 points, 23 rebounds to lead the Tigers.

Houston got off to a strong start, with Gladney leading the way by scoring eight points in the first quarter. The Cougars held Auburn to nine points and went on a 14-4 run over the final four minutes of the first quarter.

Both teams struggled offensively combining for 20 total points in the second quarter. UH would not score its second basket of the game until the 3:53 mark, as Auburn scored its first basket of the frame seconds later with 3:38 left on the clock. Houston took a 34-17 lead at the break.

The Tigers rallied in the third quarter, with Onyeje leading the way for Houston with nine points, all coming from behind-the-arc. Although they were outscored in the third quarter, UH forced six Auburn turnovers and tallied up three steals.

With time winding down Houston made key shots down the stretch to secure its second win of the season. White and Thompson battled in the paint, as White knocked down four key free throws in the closing minutes to maintain the lead for the Cougars. Gladney scored on back-to-back possessions, taking control of the Houston offense when it mattered most.

ITEMS OF NOTE

Houston extends winning streak in home openers to seven.
Houston is now 1-2 against Auburn all-time.
This marks the first time since the 2010-11 season that Houston has defeated two major conference teams in non-conference play.
First 2-1 start since the 2017-18 season

UP NEXT
Houston has will return to action on Dec. 11 against Stephen F. Austin. Tip-off is slated for 6:30 p.m. at the Fertitta Center.

FANS CUTOUTS
As the University of Houston Athletics Department continues to prepare for the 2020 season, fans are invited to submit photos for cutouts to be placed within the Fertitta Center during home games. To purchase a cutout please click HERE.

HOUSTON MOVES TO ONLINE TICKETING
With mobile ticketing, Houston Athletics fans will enjoy various benefits, including reduced wait lines and quicker access into event venues, eliminating printing, delivery, loss or stolen tickets along with more convenient access and options in managing of tickets.

From their digital wallets, fans can scan their mobile devices at the entrance for quick and easy venue access. For more information click HERE.

FOLLOW THE COUGARS!
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.

--UHCougars.com--