University of Houston
7-6
Alcorn State
0-11
Cougars Down Alcorn in Non-Conference Finale
12/28/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
HOUSTON â€" The Houston Cougar Women's Basketball team wrapped up the non-conference portion of its 2016-17 season with an 85-70 win over Alcorn State on Wednesday, inside Hofheinz Pavilion. Junior Chyanne Butler led the Cougars with 18 points.
Houston struggled to find a rhythm in the first quarter, shooting 4-of-15 from the field. However, the Cougars went to the free throw line 10 times, knocking down eight, to stay in the game and trail by just three after the frame at 19-16.
Alcorn State was able to extend its lead in the second quarter behind nine first half points from junior Alexus Freeman. For the Cougars, freshman Jasmyne Harris dropped eight points in the period, and freshman Angela Harris buried a 3-pointer at the buzzer to cut the lead to 39-33 at the half.
Houston carried Harris' momentum into the second half and opened the third quarter on a 15-0 run over the first 3:25. The period started with four straight points from senior Kierra Graves, followed by five from Butler. The Cougars shot 75.0 percent (12-of-16) from the field in the quarter, and outscored the Lady Braves 29-8.
The Cougars came out shaky in the final quarter, turning the ball over twice in the first 40 seconds. The Lady Braves cut the lead to 10 with 7:31 remaining, but Houston was able to right the ship and did not allow Alcorn to get any closer.
THE BASICS
Score: Houston 85 (7-6), Alcorn State 70 (0-11)
Date: Monday, Dec. 28, 2016
Location: Houston, Texas (Hofheinz Pavilion)
TURNING POINT
Harris' 3-pointer to end the half was the spark the Cougars needed. From that point on, Houston outscored the Lady Braves 55-31 throughout the remainder of the game.
TOP PERFORMERS
Houston: Butler matched a career-high with 18 points for the third time this season, while Jasmyne Harris had 17 and Graves set a career-high with 16 points. On the glass, Houston was led by senior Jacqueline Blake who pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds, while Graves and Mariah Mitchell finished with nine.
Alcorn State: Three Lady Braves finished in double-figures with Talisa Sherman leading the way with 15 points. Freeman finished the game with 13, while Brianna Luton had 11. Miracle Rushing finished the contest with nine rebounds.
NEWS AND NOTES
- The 85 points scored for Houston is the most under Hughey, and the most the team has scored since a 90-84 win over Tulane on March 5, 2011.
- Houston finished the non-conference portion of its schedule with seven wins, a new high for Hughey.
- The 29 points Houston scored in the third quarter is the most in a single quarter for the Cougars this season. Houston had previously scored 27 in a quarter twice this season.
- Houston won the bench-points battle for the 11th time this season, outscoring Alcorn with their reserves 38-30.
- Houston's 50 rebounds, and 32 defensive boards, are the most the team has collected in a game this season.
- Since her first double-digit scoring game on Dec. 4, Jasmyne Harris is averaging 14.7 points per game over that seven-game span.
- The Cougars shot 47.8 percent (32-of-67) from the field in the contest, a new season-high.
UP NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
Houston opens up American Athletic Conference play with a New Year's Day matchup against Tulsa on Sunday. Tipoff against the Golden Hurricane is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live via ESPNU.
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.
