University of Houston
8-2
Central Arkansas
6-6
Cougars Fall to Central Arkansas 69-55
12/20/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
SAN ANTONIO â€" The Houston Cougar Women's Basketball team wrapped play at the Rae & Craig Blair Memorial Tournament with a 69-55 loss to Central Arkansas, inside the Convocation Center, on Tuesday. The Cougars finished with a 1-1 record in the tournament.
Both teams struggled to find offense in a first quarter that saw just 22 total points between the squads. Led by six points from junior Chyanne Butler, the Cougars grabbed an early lead, but a 9-0 run for UCA gave the Sugar Bears the advantage 14-8 at the end of the first.
The story was the same for Houston in the second quarter, with the Cougars only shooting 28.6 percent (4-of-14) from the field in the frame. Sophomore Serithia Hawkins was a bright spot for Houston in the period, scoring six points, to keep Houston in the game at 28-21.
An 8-0 run for Central Arkansas to start the second half, extended the lead to 36-21 and forced Head Coach Ronald Hughey to call a timeout. After the Sugar Bears extended the lead to 17, the Cougars had one final push in the fourth quarter. With 6:46 remaining in the game, Hawkins completed an old-fashioned 3-point play to cut the lead to six, but Houston was unable to pull any closer.
THE BASICS
Score: Central Arkansas (8-2) 69, Houston (6-6) 55
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016
Location: San Antonio, Texas (Convocation Center)
THE DECIDING FACTOR
The Sugar Bears were able to get a big contribution down low from Kierra Jordan who finished 14-of-18 from the field for 28 points. Johnson played a key role in Central Arkansas winning the points in the paint battle 42-22.
TOP PERFORMERS
Houston: Both Butler and Hawkins matched their career-highs in points, with Butler scoring 18 and Hawkins adding 16. Hawkins averaged 12 points per game throughout the two contests in the tournament. Junior Mariah Mitchell set a new career-high after pulling down seven rebounds to pace the Cougars on the glass.
Central Arkansas: Along with Jordan's 28 points, Maggie Proffitt added 24 of her own. The duo combined for 52 of the team's 69 points in the game. Jordan and Raquel Logan led the Sugar Bears in rebounds with seven apiece, while Brianna Mullins added nine assists.
NEWS AND NOTES
- For the 10th time in 12 games, the Cougars won the bench points battle, beating UCA 14-4 with their reserves.
- The Cougars outrebounded Central Arkansas 31-30, including 12-7 on the offensive end. The 12 offensive boards led to 13 second-chance points for Houston.
UP NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
Houston wraps the non-conference portion of the 2016-17 season when they welcome Alcorn State to Hofheinz Pavilion on Wednesday, Dec. 28. Tipoff against the Lady Braves is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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.
