Houston Meets Milwaukee in New Orleans
11/16/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
HOUSTON â€" The Houston Cougar Women's Basketball team continues the 2017-18 season and the Preseason WNIT with a matchup against Milwaukee in the consolation rounds at 5 p.m., Friday, in New Orleans.
Fans can catch all of Friday's action live via the University of New Orleans live STREAM. Fans can also hear the game live via Houston's home for Women's Basketball Radio, UHCougars.com/wbbradio. Live statistics are also available through SideArm, and the official Twitter account of Houston Women's Basketball, @UHCougarWBB, will offer updates throughout the game. LIVE VIDEO | LIVE STATS | TWITTER
THE STARTING FIVE
Here are five names, numbers, news items and storylines you need to know about Friday's Preseason WNIT consolation round game against Milwaukee.
New Orleans Regional â€" Following its First Round loss in the Preseason WNIT at Texas A&M, Houston was placed in the New Orleans Consolation Regional, where they are paired with Milwaukee. The regional also includes New Orleans and CSUN.
Who Are You â€" The Cougars have no history with any of the three teams in the bracket, having never met Milwaukee, New Orleans or Cal State-Northridge on the hardwood.
Long Road â€" Houston continues its month-long opening road trip with the second round of the Preseason WNIT. The Cougars will play their first eight games away from home.
Ready to Run â€" Head Coach Ronald Hughey has always had the mantra of press, run and have fun. The Cougars were able to execute this plan well in the opener, outscoring Texas A&M 10-2 on the fast break.
Budding Talent â€" Houston has had three freshmen over the past two seasons make the American Athletic Conference All-Freshman squad. Serithia Hawkins earned the honor unanimously in 2015-16, while Angela and Jasmyne Harris garnered laurels last season.
SERIES vs. MILWAUKEE
Friday's contest will be the first meeting between the two schools in their history. The Cougars are 0-1 against teams from the Horizon League in Head Coach Ronald Hughey's tenure.
ABOUT THE COUGARS
Houston is 0-1 on the season after falling 83-65 at No. 20/RV Texas A&M in the season-opener and First Round of the Preseason WNIT.
The Cougars were led offensively against the Aggies by four players in doubles figures, including sophomore Dorian Branch who paced the squad with 17 points. Sophomores Angela Harris and Jasmyne Harris scored 14 and 12 points, respectively, while junior Serithia Hawkins added 10 points of her own.
As a team, the Cougars shot 35.4 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc. Houston went to the free-throw line 18 times in the opener, making 13, for a 72.2 percentage.
Hawkins would pace the Cougars in rebounds against Texas A&M. The Moore, Okla., native pulled down eight boards including seven on the defensive glass. Houston lost the battle on the glass 43-38 in the opener.
SCOUTING THE PANTHERS
Milwaukee enters Friday's contest with a 0-1 record after falling at Drake 77-73 in the First Round of the Preseason WNIT.
The Panthers were led by senior Steph Kostowicz who totaled a double-double with 26 points and 12 rebounds to pace the squad in each category. Milwaukee shot 39.7 percent in the opener but allowed Drake to make 46.8 percent of its baskets.
As a team, Milwaukee shot 39.7 percent from the field, but connected on just 25.0 percent of their 3-point attempts. The Panthers connected on 72.7 percent of their 22 free-throw line trips in the contest.
Kostowicz's 12 boards helped the Panthers win the rebounding battle 44-30. Kostowicz and teammates Jenny Lindner (seven) and Jamie Reit (five) each pulled down at least five boards in the opener.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Houston will play its 2017-18 home games inside H&PE Arena on the campus of nearby Texas Southern University while renovations continue on the $60 million Fertitta Center.
For the best value to enjoy all 13 regular-season home games, fans can purchase a Shasta Pass for just $80. With the Shasta Pass, fans enjoy admission into every Women's Basketball home game as well as remaining Volleyball and Soccer contests and Softball games in the spring.
Single game tickets are also available for games throughout the Women's Basketball season, starting as low as $3 for general admission and $20 for reserved floor seats if purchases are made online before gameday. Ticket sales on gameday or walkup sales begin at $5 for general admission and $20 for reserved floor seats.
Fans can purchase tickets by visiting UHCougars.com/tickets or by clicking HERE, or by calling the Houston Athletics Ticket Office at 713-GO-COOGS
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.
