University of Houston
4-7
UTRGV
7-6
Cougars Fall to UTRGV 55-45 to Wrap Non-Conference
12/20/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Cougars Fall to UTRGV 55-45 to Wrap Non-Conference
Serithia Hawkins records first career double-double in losing effort
HOUSTON -- Freshman guard Serithia Hawkins recorded her first career double-double behind 13 points and 11 rebounds, but it was not enough as the Cougars fell 55-45 to UTRGV to close out the non-conference portion of their schedule, at Hofheinz Pavilion, on Sunday.
"In the second half, we went in and talked about the adjustments we needed to make, and how we needed to protect the basketball, and be more aggressive and not settle for a jump shot, and to attack the zone," Head Coach Ronald Hughey said. "We didn't do that in the second half. We came out, stood around and watched the ball. We got out-hustled."
The two teams entered the locker room at the half with the score tied at 23, despite the Cougars holding the Vaqueros to just 33 percent from the field on 10-of-30 shooting. UTRGV used a 10-4 run at the end of the third quarter to take a 42-36 lead into the final period, and the Cougars could never get back within four points.
THE BASICS
Score: UTRGV 55, Houston 45
Records: Houston 4-7, UTRGV 7-6
Date: Sunday, December 20, 2015
Location: Houston, Texas (Hofheinz Pavilion)
TURNING POINT
With the scored tied at 23 apiece entering the fourth quarter, the Vaqueros outscored the Cougars 19-13 to take a six point lead into the final frame. Houston used a 3-pointer from senior Alecia Smith to cut the lead to four at 46-42 with 4:46 remaining in the contest, but UTRGV would use a 9-3 run over the final 3:32 to close out the game.
TOP PERFORMERS
Houston: Freshman guard Serithia Hawkins tallied 13 points and 11 rebounds to collect her first career double-double. Hawkins finished the game 6-of-14 from the field and added five steals, four assists and a block. Senior forward Tyler Gilbert added 12 points for the Cougars on 4-of-8 shooting for her fourth double-digit scoring game of the season.
UTRGV: Shawnte' Goff led UTRGV in scoring with 16 points while bringing down seven rebounds, while Hilda Bjorg Kjartansdottir added 14 points and seven boards of her own. Anushka Maldonado and Rickell Preston tied for the team lead in rebounds with nine apiece.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Houston held UTRGV to just 55 points, marking the fifth time this season the Cougars have held an opponent under 60 points. The Cougars entered today's contest ranked third in the American in points allowed per game (62.0).
- Houston showed its depth off the bench in the contest after outscoring the Vaquero's 15-8 in bench points. Senior Tyler Gilbert led all non-starters in points with 12.
- Freshman Serithia Hawkins recorded her first career double-double behind 13 points and a career-high 11 rebounds. Hawkins entered the game leading all American Athletic Conference freshmen in scoring with 10.2 ppg.
- The Cougars finished with 13 assists in the contest after recording assists on all but four buckets the team made. Hawkins led the way for the Cougars with four assists, while senior Marche' Amerson added three.
NEWS & NOTES
- Houston finished the non-conference season with a record of 4-7, and compiled a 1-3 record at Hofheinz Pavilion
- The Coogs fell to 3-1 all-time against UTRGV and is now 1-1 inside Hofheinz Pavilion against the Vaqueros.
UP NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
The Coogs hit the road to open American Athletic Conference play when they face Tulane on Wednesday, Dec. 30, in New Orleans, La. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, and the game will be broadcast live via the American Digital Network.
$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.
