Houston Edges Memphis for Fourth Straight Win

Sunday, February 24

Memphis, Tenn.

1 p.m.

University of Houston

Memphis

Houston

Memphis

Photo by: Wilf Thorne/Wilf Thorne Photography

2/24/2019 3:39:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Memphis Box

Three Cougars come up big down the stretch for ninth conference win

MEMPHIS –The Houston Cougars Women's basketball team would battle back from an early deficit, picking up its fourth straight win in a 59-57 decision at Memphis on Sunday afternoon inside the Elma Roane Fieldhouse.

Both teams came out aggressively, with Memphis taking a two-point edge at the first media timeout. Alyssa Okoene got going early on both ends, picking up her first block within the first three minutes of play. Both teams went back-and-forth for the remainder of the frame with Memphis leading 10-8 going into the second quarter.

Houston would be plagued by turnovers thoughout the first two quarters, heading into the break with 15. Memphis would extend its lead in the second quarter, going on an 7-0 run before the first media timeout to take a 23-12 lead. Julia Blackshell-Fair found driving lanes, scoring on back-to-back possessions in an attempt to cut the deficit. Houston came out of the huddle energized for the second half of the second quarter, scoring in transition on back-to-back possessions to come within seven. A pair of untimely turnovers at the end of the frame would result in the Cougars heading into the break trailing Memphis 32-21.

A new look Houston squad stepped out on the court in the third quarter, opening the frame with a 6-0 run and forcing a Memphis timeout at the 8:26 mark. With the lead trimmed and trailing 32-27, Dorian Branch hit her first three-pointer of the day as to push the Cougars within four. Memphis fought back, pushing its lead back to five, following a made three-pointer from Branch and lay-up from Okoene. Houston would trail 38-32 at the midway point of the quarter. Memphis would again extend its lead, only to have it ate away at after Octavia Barnes and Branch hit shots from long-range to put the Cougars within five heading into the fourth quarter.

The Cougars would storm out of the huddle and score on three straight possessions to take their first lead of the game at the 7:51 mark in the fourth quarter. Branch scored nine of her 17 points in the fourth quarter to anchor the offense. Memphis would not go away quietly, once again taking the lead at the 4:35 mark following a pair of made free throws. A driving lay-up from Harris cut the lead back to one with 2:17 remaining, followed by a 10-second violation from Memphis to give the Cougars the ball back. Another turnover from Memphis with under one minute remaining would give Houston the ball back with Memphis holding a 57-56 lead. Cougars would hold the Tigers scoreless for the final 37 seconds, and Angela Harris and Barnes would hit a pair of free throws on the other end to seal its ninth conference win.

THE BASICS
Score: Houston 59, Memphis 57
Date: Sunday, February 24, 2019
Location: Memphis, Tenn. | Elma Roane Fieldhouse

TOP PERFORMERS
Houston: The Cougars saw three players reach double figures in scoring, including 17 from Branch. Hawkins added 10 points, followed Barnes with 10. Barnes and Okoene led the team in rebounds with eight and Branch led the team with four assists. Barnes has now hit at least one three-pointer in the last 17 games. Barnes' six made three-pointers is a career-high.

Memphis: Memphis finished the game with two players in double figures led by Jamirah Shutes with a game-high 20 points, following by Alana Davis with 16 points. Shutes led the Tigers with 8 rebounds and Jada Stinson finished with four assists.

NEWS AND NOTES

Houston improves to 15-11 on the season and 9-4 in conference play.
The Cougars shot 44.9 percent from the field, compared to 36.7 percent from Memphis. The Cougars scored 12 points off the fast break, compared to only eight from Memphis.
The Cougars have now won its last two against Memphis.
Houston extends its winning streak to four.
Cougars tie most wins in The American under Head Coach Ronald Hughey.

UP NEXT FOR HOUSTON
Houston will return home to face USF on Feb. 27 as they continue to work towards a first-round bye in the 2019 American Athletic Conference Women's basketball Championships.

SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Single tickets for the 2018-19 season are on sale now and start at just $5 for General Admission seating and feature options for reserved and floor 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 three 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.

--UHCougars.com--