University of Houston Athletics
University of Houston
4-11 (0-4)
UConn
13-0 (3-0)
Cougars Hang Tough against No. 1/1 UConn
1/8/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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HOUSTON â€" Senior Forward Tyler Gilbert scored a season-high 16 points, and collected eight rebounds as the Houston Cougar Women's Basketball team fell 76-37 against No. 1/1 UConn on Friday, inside Hofheinz Pavilion.
"Geno Auriemma is one of the class acts of women's basketball and what he represents. Some of the things he said to me before and after the game I really appreciated it," Head Coach Ronald Hughey said. "For our team to come out against the number one team in the country and play like that for two and a half quarters, we did a hell of a job. I'm so proud of Tyler Gilbert and the rest of my team. They were able to come in and follow the game plan and play with heart. We talked about representing and playing for the name across their chest more than the name across their back, and they did that and represented us well tonight."
The Cougars jumped out to an early 8-4 lead as the Houston defense forced the Huskies to miss their first five shots from the field. The Coogs took a 15-14 lead into the second quarter behind Tyler Gilbert's 4-of-4 start from the field, marking the first time the Huskies have trailed after the first quarter this season.
THE BASICS
Score: UConn 76, Houston 37
Records: Houston 4-11 (0-4), UConn 13-0 (3-0)
Date: Friday, January 8, 2016
Location: Houston, Texas (Hofheinz Pavilion)
TURNING POINT
Despite trailing at the end of the first quarter, UConn finished the frame on a 6-0 run. The scoring streak continued for the Huskies into the second where they ratted off nine unanswered points to begin the quarter. Houston trailed 31-20 at halftime. UConn outscored the Cougars 45-17 to end the contest.
TOP PERFORMERS
Houston: Senior forward Tyler Gilbert exploded for 10 first half points and five rebounds after playing all but one minute in the first half. Gilbert would go on to finish the game with a season-best 16 points and a game-high eight rebounds. Freshman Serithia Hawkins finished Friday's contest with six points and four rebounds.
Memphis: Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson, Kia Nurse and Gabby Williams all scored 13 points apiece to lead UConn in scoring. Natalie Butler had a team-high eight rebounds, while Stewart and Katie Lou Samuelson each collected six.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Houston was able to outrebound the Huskies on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive rebounds to UConn's 11.
- Senior guard Bianca Winslow collected a career-best six assists after playing a season-high 26 minutes while filling in for injured starting point guard Alecia Smith.
NEWS & NOTES
- Houston held the Huskies to just 14 points in the first quarter, marking the lowest total in a quarter for the Huskies this season. Houston's 15-14 lead at the end of the first frame also marked the first time that UConn had trailed after the first this season.
- The 31 points scored by UConn in the first half is the lowest total for the Huskies in the 2015-16 season.
- After scoring four points, senior Marche' Amerson is now just 29 points shy of 1,000 for her career. When she reaches the 1,000 point plateau, Amerson will become the 23rd Cougar in history to reach that milestone.
UP NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
Houston will have just one day to prepare for its next contest, as the Cougars face off against in-state rival SMU on Sunday at Hofheinz Pavilion. Tipoff for the matchup against the Mustangs is scheduled for 2 p.m., and the first 200 fans through the doors will receive a free UH Parking Sign.
$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.
