University of Houston Athletics
Houston to Meet South Dakota in WNIT
3/14/2018 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
HOUSTON â€" For the first time in seven seasons, the Houston Cougar Women's Basketball team will compete in postseason play with a berth in the Women's National Invitational Tournament (WNIT). The Cougars will meet South Dakota on Thursday at 7 p.m., inside they Sanford Coyote Sports Center, in Vermillion, S.D.
Thursday's WNIT matchup will air live regionally on MidcoSN and will also be picked up nationally on the internet on ESPN3. Jay Elsen will serve as the play-by-play announcer, while Kelly Stewart will be the analyst. Fans can hear the matchup against the Coyotes live via Houston's home for 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. LIVE VIDEO | LIVE STATS | TWITTER
THE STARTING FIVE
Here are five names, numbers, news items and storylines you need to know about Thursday's WNIT matchup at South Dakota.
Postseason Bound â€" Houston will compete in postseason action for the first time since making the NCAA Tournament in 2010-11.
WNIT History â€" The Cougars will make their fifth appearance in the WNIT and first since 2010. The Cougars made the WNIT finals in 2002 after winning four games over Rice, Miami, Valparaiso and Virginia Tech. Houston is 5-5 all-time in the WNIT.
From Deep â€" Houston set a school record for 3-pointers just 24 games into the season, when the Cougars made their 179th 3-pointer in the Wichita State game. The Cougars now have 242 3-pointers made this season.
I'll Take That â€" Throughout the season, Houston led the American Athletic Conference in steals (351) and steals per game (11.3) and ranks 14th and 13th, respectively, in the NCAA this season.
That's Mine â€" Sophomore guard Angela Harris has been one of the most active defenders in the nation this season. Her 92 steals and 2.97 steals per game led the American Athletic Conference and each rank No. 16 in the nation.
SERIES vs. SOUTH DAKOTA
The Cougars and Coyotes have never met on the hardwood, and South Dakota will be Houston's first matchup against a team from the Summit League in Head Coach Ronald Hughey's tenure.
ABOUT THE COUGARS
Houston enters the WNIT with a 20-11 overall record after falling 98-72 in the First Round of the American Athletic Conference Championship earlier this month.
Houston has been led on offense by three different players averaging double-figures per night. Sophomore Jasmyne Harris leads the squad with 19.6 points per game, which ranks fourth in the American Athletic Conference. Harris has scored 609 points this season, which ranks fourth in The American and ranks 33rd in the NCAA. Harris' 609 points places her sixth on the Houston Cougar all-time points in a season list.
Sophomore Angela Harris adds 14.5 points per night, while Serithia Hawkins scores 11.8 per game.
As a team, the Cougars are scoring 74.2 points per game while holding opponents to 71.1. Houston is shooting 41.5 percent from the field including 34.2 from beyond the 3-point line, while opponents are making 41.9 percent of their shots but only 28.0 percent from beyond the arc. Houston's 3-point percentage defense mark ranks No. 1 in the American Athletic Conference and 24th in the NCAA.
On the glass this season, Hawkins paces the Cougars with 7.9 rebounds per night, while Jasmyne Harris adds 5.3 boards per game.
Houston finished the regular season first in the American Athletic Conference in steals (351) and steals per game (11.3) and ranks 14th and 13th in the nation, respectively, in each. Angela Harris leads the conference and ranks among the top-20 in the nation in both steals (92) and steals per game (2.97).
SCOUTING THE COYOTES
South Dakota enters Thursday's contest with a 26-6 overall record and was the 2018 Summit League regular season champion. The Coyotes advanced to the Summit League Championship Game, but eventually fell to South Dakota State.
South Dakota shoots 46.6 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from beyond the 3-point line, leading to 74.3 points per game. The Coyotes are allowing opponents to score just 58.4 points per game on 40.4 percent shooting from the field and 32.1 percent from beyond the 3-point line.
South Dakota has a trio of players that average double figures in scoring, including Ciara Duffy, who paces the Coyotes with 11.7 points per game. Allison Arens ranks a close second with 11.5 points per contest, while Jaycee Bradley adds 10.1 per night.
The Coyotes are balanced on the boards, with Ciara Duffy and Arens pacing the team at 4.7 rebounds per game.
UP NEXT FOR HOUSTON
The winner of Thursday's contest will advance to play the winner of the Colorado State and Western Illinois matchup. The time, date and location for that matchup are yet to be determined.
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.
