Houston Closes Non-Conference at Southern Miss

Sunday, December 30

Hattiesburg, Miss.

2 p.m.

University of Houston

Southern Miss

12/29/2018 9:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball

Cougars meet Golden Eagles for first time since 2013

Hattiesburg, Miss. – The Houston Cougar Women's Basketball team closes out the non-conference portion of its 2018-19 schedule with a road trip to meet Southern Miss on Sunday in Hattiesburg, Miss. Tipoff against the Golden Eagles is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Fans can see the game at Southern Miss live via CUSA.TV, and the stream can be accessed HERE. A subscription is required for the stream. Fans can also hear the contest against the Golden Eagles live via the home for Houston Women's Basketball Radio, UHCougars.com/wbbradio. 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 Sunday's non-conference finale at Southern Miss:

The Days of Old – Sunday's contest will be the first meeting for Houston and Southern Miss since the two teams were members of Conference USA in 2013.

Non-Con Finale – Sunday's matchup will serve as Houston's non-conference finale for the 2018-19 season. The Cougars open American Athletic Conference play at home against 1/1 UConn after the turn of the New Year.

That's Ours – Houston has been one of the most active defensive teams in the country this season. Through 12 games, the Cougars' 147 steals and 12.3 steals per game rank eighth and 19^th, respectively, in the NCAA.

I'll Take It – Individually on defense, junior guard Jasmyne Harris has collected 42 steals this season which ranks sixth nationally and leads the American Athletic Conference.

HTown Lockdown – Houston continues to play lockdown defense this season. The Cougars have forced at least 15 turnovers in every game and their 23.92 forced per game ranks sixth nationally.

SERIES vs. SOUTHERN MISS
Sunday's meeting will be the 25th all-time between the two squads and the first since 2013, when the two schools were members of Conference USA.

Houston holds the all-time lead in the series at 13-11, however Southern Miss holds the advantage in Hattiesburg, Miss., where they have won six of 10 contests.

The Cougars have won three-straight games in the series, including the most recent contest in Mississippi, a 56-49 decision on Jan. 8, 2012.

ABOUT THE COUGARS
Houston enters Sunday's contest with a 5-7 overall record after a second-half comeback led to a 66-56 victory at George Mason on Dec. 21.

Houston has three players averaging double figures in scoring including Jasmyne Harris whose 17.0 points per game paces the squad and ranks fifth in The American. Angela Harris ranks second on the team with 10.5 points per contest, while Serithia Hawkins averages 10.0 per night.

Houston is averaging 74.9 points per game this season, which ranks second in The American and 55th in the NCAA. The Cougars shoot 40.5 percent from the field and 27.0 percent from beyond the 3-point line. Conversely, Houston allows its opponents to shoot 42.2 percent from the field and 32.0 from beyond the arc, which leads to 74.7 points per contest.

The Cougars have been led on the glass this season by sophomore forward Alyssa Okoene who is pulling down 7.5 rebounds per night after back-to-back games with 12 rebounds against Texas A&M and George Mason. Serithia Hawkins leads the Cougars on the offensive glass this season with 36 boards.

Houston has been one of the most active defensive teams in the country this season. The Cougars lead The American Athletic Conference in steals (147), steals per game (12.3) and turnovers forced per game (23.92). The Cougars' steal numbers rank eighth and 19th in the nation, respectively, while the turnovers forced average places them sixth in the NCAA.

SCOUTING THE GOLDEN EAGLES
Southern Miss enters Sunday's contest with an 8-4 overall record and a 7-2 mark when playing at home. The Golden Eagles have won three of their last four contests including two straight against Blue Mountain College (84-38) and Southeastern Louisiana (59-52).

Southern Miss averages 65.7 points per game on 46.5 percent shooting from the field and 31.1 percent from beyond the 3-point line. Individually, the Golden Eagles are led by Megan Brown, who averages 11.0 points per game. Shonte Hailes and Kelsey Jones also average double-figures with 10.1 points per game each. Defensively, Southern Miss allows opponents to score 57.1 points per game on 38.3 percent shooting and 30.0 percent from beyond the arc.

On the glass this season, the Golden Eagles outrebound their opponents by 10.4 per game at 38.8-28.4. Jones leads a balanced effort with 5.9 rebounds per game, while Brown pulls down 5.2 per game and Hailes averages 4.8.

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 nine remaining home games.

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.