Houston Set for Showdown with Louisiana Tech

Wednesday, November 14

Ruston, La.

6:30 p.m.

University of Houston

Louisiana Tech

Photo by: Wilf Thorne/Wilf Thorne Photography

11/13/2018 11:03:00 AM | Women's Basketball

Cougars visit Lady Techsters to open two-game road swing

Ruston, La. – The Houston Cougar Women's Basketball team is set for the first of a two-game road swing, when they meet Louisiana Tech on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., inside Thomas Assembly Center, in Ruston, La.

Fans can hear the contest against Louisiana Tech live via the home for Women's Basketball Radio, UHCougars.com/wbbradio. A live stream of Wednesday's game will also be available courtesy of Conference USA TV and can be found by clicking HERE. A subscription is required for Houston All-Access. Live statistics are also available through SideArm Stats, and the official Twitter account of Houston Women's Basketball, @UHCougarWBB, will offer updates throughout the game.

THE STARTING FIVE
Here are five names, numbers, news items and storylines you need to know about Wednesday's game at Louisiana Tech:

Series vs. Louisiana Tech – Wednesday's contest marks the ninth meeting between the two programs and the first since the 2011-12 season. Louisiana Tech leads the all-time series, 5-3.

American Honor – Sophomore forward Alyssa Okoene was honored as The American Athletic Conference Player of the Week after averaging 16.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in the season's opening week against Cal and Georgia Tech.

That's Ours – Houston set a school record with 41 turnovers forced in the win over Georgia Tech and now leads the American Athletic Conference with 31.5 turnovers forced per game and 24 steals.

Taking Care of It – On top of forcing turnovers, Houston has also been able to take care of the ball on the other end. The Cougars hold a 14.5 turnover margin advantage which paces play in The American.

High Scoring – Wednesday's contest will feature two teams with high-powered offenses. The Cougars enter averaging an American-leading 87.0 points per game, while the Lady Techsters average 85.0

SERIES vs. LOUISIANA TECH
Wednesday's meeting with be the ninth all-time between the two teams. Louisiana Tech holds a 5-3 advantage in the series.

The Lady Techsters won the most-recent contest, a 79-53 decision inside Hofheinz Pavilion on Dec. 7, 2011. The Cougars were the victors last time the two teams met in Louisiana, taking a 70-66 decision on Nov. 23, 2010.

ABOUT THE COUGARS
Houston enters the game with an 1-1 record after stunning Georgia Tech, 95-89, in two overtimes on Friday.

Houston has four players averaging double figures in scoring this season, including junior guard Jasmyne Harris who's 21.5 points per game leads The American. Harris became the 24th player in program history to reach the 1,000-point club in the win over Georgia Tech. Redshirt sophomore Alyssa Okoene ranks second on the team with 16.5 points per game after her double-double against the Yellow Jackets earned her American Player of the Week honors. Juniors Angela Harris and Dorian Branch each average 11.0 points per game.

Houston is scoring a conference-leading 87.0 points per game on 40.6 percent shooting from the field, and a 25.0 percent mark from beyond the 3-point line. Conversely, the Cougars are allowing opponents to score 84.5 points per game while shooting 50.8 percent and 25.9 percent, respectively.

The Cougars have been led on the glass this season by Okoene who is pulling down 6.5 rebounds per night after a career-high 11 rebound effort against Georgia Tech. Branch, Jasmyne Harris and Serithia Hawkins are each averaging 4.0 boards per contest.

Houston has been incredibly active on defense this season. The Cougars are averaging an American-leading 31.5 turnovers forced per game, while also leading the league with 24 steals. Individually, Jasmyne Harris leads the league with eight total steals.

SCOUTING THE LADY TECHSTERS
Louisiana Tech enters the contest with a 1-1 record after falling to Little Rock, 69-58, on Friday.

The Lady Techsters are averaging 85.0 points per game while allowing opponents to score 69.5. Louisiana Tech is led on offense by Kierra Anthony, who averages 21.0 points per game entering the matchup. Raizel Guinto scores 11.0 points per game, while Taylor Stahly scores 10.5 and Amber Dixon averages 10.0. Louisiana Tech is outshooting opponents 45.7 percent to 42.9 percent from the field, but their opponents hold a 34.8 percent to 31.4 percent advantage from beyond the 3-point line.

On the glass this season, the Lady Techsters hold a +11.5 advantage over their opponents and have been led by Grayson Bright with 7.0 rebounds per night. Anthony sits a close second with 6.5 per game.

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Season tickets for the 2018-19 season are on sale now and start at just $50 for General Admission seating and feature options for reserved seating as well.

Houston has also opened up a 4-game mini plan option beginning at $20 for General Admission seating and ranging to $30 for Priority Seating. With the mini plan, fans can choose four games from any of Houston's 13 home games throughout the 2018-19 season.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit UHCougars.com/tickets or click HERE. Fans can also reach the UH Ticket Office by phone at 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647).

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.