University of Houston
1-4
Mercer
5-1
Cougars Drop Close Contest against Mercer
11/25/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
HOUSTON â€" The Houston Cougar Women's Basketball team wrapped up their second home stand of the 2016-17 season with a 64-60 loss to Mercer on Friday, inside Hofheinz Pavilion. Sophomore guard Serithia Hawkins collected her second consecutive double-double in the effort.
""It's tough," Head Coach Ronald Hughey said. "It's tough when you know your team is prepared. The fundamental things they've been doing since they started basketball: taking care of the basketball, not turning it over and shooting free throws, those things hurt us tonight."
The contest was tight throughout the duration of the game, and though the Cougars trailed through most of the first quarter, a 9-2 run to end the frame gave Houston the lead heading to the first break. Freshman Quatera Limbrick had a breakout game which included seven first quarter points.
The second quarter remained a back-and-forth affair, but it was Houston's ability to cause turnovers and run out on the fast break that allowed them to extend the lead. The Cougars forced six Mercer miscues in the second quarter which led to six fast-break points the other way. Houston held a three point lead at intermission behind Hawkins' seven points and five boards.
Both teams were lights out from the field in the third quarter, with Mercer finishing the period 9-of-17 (52.9 percent) from the field, while the Cougars were close behind at 7-of-17 (41.2 percent). Junior Mariah Mitchell caught fire from the arc and had 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including a 4-of-6 mark from beyond the 3-point line, through three quarters.
THE BASICS
Score: Mercer 64, Houston 60
Date: Friday, Nov. 25, 2016
Location: Houston, Texas (Hofheinz Pavilion)
TURNING POINT
Houston struggled from the free throw line in the contest, finishing just 3-of-15 on the night. With 2:07 remaining in the contest, freshman Jasmyne Harris went one-of-two from the free throw line to tie the game at 58, but despite the contest featuring 10 lead changes, the Cougars gave up a 5-0 run to put the contest out of reach.
TOP PERFORMERS
Houston: Hawkins finished the game with 15 points and 11 rebounds including six on the offensive end. The double-double is her second in as many games this season, and the sixth of her career. Mitchell led the Cougars with a season-high 16 points, while Limbrick had a career-best 13. On the glass, Harris pulled down a career-best 10 rebounds.
Mercer: The Bears picked up big performances from KeKe Calloway and Sydni Means on the offensive end. Calloway scored a game-high 19 points, while Means added 18 of her own. On the glass, Amanda Thompson tied for the game lead with 11 boards, while Kayla Potts and Kahlia Lawrence had eight each.
NEWS AND NOTES
- For the fourth time in five games, the Cougars' bench played a key role, winning the bench points battle 20-19.
- The Cougars collected 17 offensive rebounds in the contest which led to 14 second chance buckets.
- Houston was able to get out in run in the game, finishing the contest winning the fast-break points category 12-10.
- Senior guard Kierra Graves scored a season-high nine points in the contest on 4-of-8 shooting from the field.
UP NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
Houston heads back out on the road for a return match against UTRGV in a rematch of their 2015 matchup. Tipoff against the Vaqueros is scheduled for 7 p.m., inside UTRGV Fieldhouse.
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.
