Women’s Basketball Drops Meeting with Kansas

Saturday, January 25

Houston, Texas

2 p.m.

University of Houston

5-15,1-8Big 12

Kansas

13-7,3-6Big 12

Kansas

Houston

1/25/2025 6:38:00 PM | Women's Basketball

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Laila Blair scores 16 points in Houston’s 57-43 loss

HOUSTON – The University of Houston Women's Basketball program fell to Kansas, 57-43, on Saturday afternoon inside Fertitta Center.

The Cougars (5-15, 1-8 Big 12) were led by graduate guard Laila Blair's 16 points and six rebounds. Blair played all 40 minutes against the Jayhawks, marking her second consecutive game logging a full 40-minute effort on the court.

Kansas (13-7, 3-6 Big 12) had four players in double-figures as senior guard S'Maya Nichols led the Jayhawks with 16 points, followed by 13 points from junior guard Elle Evans. Kansas also had two players record double-doubles with 11 points and 10 rebounds each from freshman forward Regan Williams and sophomore guard Laia Conesa.

Both teams kept in close in the early minutes of the game as the Cougars trailed by three at the media timeout. Kansas returned to the court going on a 9-0 run to lead 17-7, but five points from sophomore guard Kierra Merchant helped Houston get within five.

The Cougars struggled offensively in the second quarter as they were only able to score five points. Kansas posted a 12-0 run to take a 30-17 lead at the half.

Houston kept it close in the third as Blair scored six points in the frame. Kansas led by as many as 19, but a 3-pointer by Blair and a jumper from graduate guard Eylia Love helped trim the deficit to 14.

The Cougars scored 15 points in the final frame including eight from sophomore guard Summer Bostock, but Houston's second-quarter slump was the key to Kansas' eighth-straight victory over the Cougars.

UP NEXT
The Cougars head on the road for a two-game road swing against Cincinnati at 5:30 p.m., CT Wednesday, inside Fifth-Third Arena, followed by a trip to Orlando, Fla., to face UCF on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 11 a.m., CT.

SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Women's Basketball by purchasing single game tickets, supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective – and by joining the Fast Break Club which provides support directly to Houston Women's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarWBB on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarWBB or on the team's Instagram page at @UHCougarWBB.

– UHCougars.com –