Houston Opens 2020-21 Season at Oklahoma

Wednesday, November 25

Norman, Okla.

12 p.m.

University of Houston

Oklahoma

11/24/2020 7:57:00 AM | Women's Basketball

Watch Listen Oklahoma Notes 1 Houston Notes

Cougars set for 12 p.m. tip-off at the Lloyd Noble Center

HOUSTON – The University of Houston Women's Basketball team will open its 2020-21 season on the road against Oklahoma when it travels to Norman for a Wednesday afternoon matchup at Lloyd Noble Center.

Tip-off is scheduled for noon and fans can watch the game on Fox Sports Southwest. Cougar fans can also listen to all the action by tuning into the radio broadcast by clicking HERE.

THE 4-1-1
The Cougars return three players from the 2019-20 team that averaged double-figure scoring efforts. Dymond Gladney returns as the Cougars leading scorer, averaging 11.7 points per game last season. She is joined by Tatyana Hill who averaged 10.9 point per game and Julia Blackshell-Fair with 10.1 points per game.

Houston averaged 61.7 points per game on 38.1 percent shooting from the field and a 27.3 percent mark from beyond the 3-point line in 2019-20. The Cougars allowed 68.0 points per game on defense while letting opponents shoot 42.2 percent and 31.5 percent from the field and beyond the arc, respectively.

Hill paced Houston on the glass, pulling down 6.5 rebounds per contest. Houston was a force to be reckoned with on the boards last season, averaging 37.4 rebounds per game including over 15 offensive boards per game. Houston forced 18.5 turnovers per game, with 15 or more forced turnovers in 26 of its 31 games last season. Under Coach Hughey, Houston has been one of the most active defensive teams in the country over the past two seasons. The Cougars are experts at protecting the rim, entering the game ranked 51th nationally in blocks (123) and 69th in Blocks Per Game (4.1).

HEIGHT ADVANTAGE
The Cougars backcourt receives a big boost with the addition of 6-5 forward Daphane White. White gives Houston its third player on the roster standing at 6-3 or higher.

SWAT TEAM
Last season, Houston was ranked 57th nationally in blocked shots with 127, 27 of those coming at the hands of Maya Jones.

CLOCKS TICKING
During the 2019-20 season, Houston guards Dymond Gladney and Julia Blackshell-Fair were among the top-three in the league in minutes played. With added depth, the Cougars now have options off the bench.

OFFSEASON MOVES
Houston added two new coaches to its staff during the summer. LaSondra Barrett was promoted to Assistant Coach after serving as Director of Recruiting Operations during the 2019-20 season. Deneen Parker joins the Cougars after a recent stint at Indiana State. The Texas native has deep ties to the area after holding the role of Assistant Coach at SMU for over two decades.

THE WAIT IS OVER
Houston saw an influx of transfers last season. Britney Onyeje, Eryka Sidney, Paris Netherly and Miya Crump will finally get to don the Red and White during the 2020-21 season. Crump joins the Cougars from Lamar where she was named the Southland Newcomer of the Year in 2018. Netherly returns to her homes state after a season at FIU. Sidney brings a wealth of knowledge to the squad after spending two seasons at San Jacinto CC and a year at Texas Tech. Onyeje returns to Texas after spending her freshman season with conference foe UCF.

SCOUTING THE SOONERS
Oklahoma is in its 25th season under Head Coach Sherri Coale. Last season OU finished 12-18 overall and 5-13 in the Big 12. Houston handed the Sooners its second loss of the 2019-20 season in an 85-69 decision at the Fertitta Center.

OU returns three of its top four scorers from last season led by returner and 2019-20 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, Taylor Robertson. Robertson led Oklahoma in scoring with 19.1 points per game last season. As a sophomore, Robertson set the Big 12 single-season mark for made three-pointers with 131. Mandy Simpson returns for her senior season after pacing Oklahoma with a team-high 86 assists during its 2019-20 campaign. Madi Williams is the second Sooner to land on the Preseason All-Big 12 team after leading the Sooners on the boards with 7.3 rebounds per game during her sophomore season.

FANS CUTOUTS
As the University of Houston Athletics Department continues to prepare for the 2020 season, fans are invited to submit photos for cutouts to be placed within TDECU Stadium during home games. To purchase a cutout please click HERE.

HOUSTON MOVES TO ONLINE TICKETING
With mobile ticketing, Houston Athletics fans will enjoy various benefits, including reduced wait lines and quicker access into event venues, eliminating printing, delivery, loss or stolen tickets along with more convenient access and options in managing of tickets.

From their digital wallets, fans can scan their mobile devices at the entrance for quick and easy venue access. For more information click HERE.

FOLLOW THE COUGARS!
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.