Wednesday, November 25
Norman, Okla.
12 p.m.
University of Houston
1-0,0-0AAC
97
at
85
Oklahoma
0-1,0-0Big 12
1
2
3
4
F
Houston
26
20
27
24
97
Oklahoma
25
19
17
24
85
Houston Knocks Off Oklahoma in Season Opener
11/25/2020 4:20:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Onyeje paces the Cougars with 23 points
HOUSTON – The University of Houston Women's Basketball team opened its season with a 97-85 win over Big 12 foe Oklahoma on Wednesday afternoon at Lloyd Noble Center.
Four Cougars (1-0) turned in double-figure scoring efforts led by redshirt sophomore, Britney Onyeje with a team-high 23 points in her collegiate debut. Julia Blackshell-Fair nearly had a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds, as Dymond Gladney led UH in assists with seven.
Houston shot 43.6 percent from the field, including 31.1 percent from three-point range.
Oklahoma's (0-1) Madi Williams led all scorers with 25 points, as Mandy Simpson posted a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Houston set the the tone early via a 7-2 scoring run in the first two minutes of the game. Julia Blackshell-Fair scored the first Cougar basket of the 2020-21 season, driving through the lane after gaining control of the jump ball. Sharpshooting and tough defense helped OU even things up at the halfway point of the frame, 11-11. Both teams went back-and-forth for the remainder of the first quarter before a timely three-point basket from junior Ca'Leyah Burrell gave Houston a one-point advantage at the quarter break.
Leading 26-25, Houston turned things up defensively in the second quarter and ultimately outscored Oklahoma, 20-19. Blackshell-Fair remained poised, but aggressive earning three trips to the free throw line where she knocked down 5-of-6 free throw attempts. UH forced four OU turnovers, outscoring the Sooners 7-3 off turnovers to close out the frame. As time dwindled down, Houston redshirt senior Eryka Sidney dribbled to the top of the key where she sank a jump shot with only second left on the clock to give UH a 46-44 lead at the half.
The third quarter would be the turning point for the Cougars as Houston outscored Oklahoma 27-17. UH got going from behind the three-point line, knocking down four of its seven attempts. Onyeje paced the Cougars, scoring 13 of her 23 points during the third quarter, including three made three-pointers. Houston held Oklahoma to 16.7 percent shooting from three-point range, outscoring OU 6-0 in transition.
The Houston defense kept things tight as time winded down, forcing six fourth quarter turnovers. Fouls plagued the Cougars as Oklahoma managed to chip away at UH's lead with help from trips to the free throw line. Freshman, Laila Blair had the hot hand in the fourth quarter, scoring seven of Houston's 24 fourth quarter points. The Cougars held on, late ultimately picking up its second straight win over the Sooners.
ITEMS OF NOTE
Houston will head to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama on Nov. 29. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. CT on SEC Network +.
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.
--UHCougars.com--
Four Cougars (1-0) turned in double-figure scoring efforts led by redshirt sophomore, Britney Onyeje with a team-high 23 points in her collegiate debut. Julia Blackshell-Fair nearly had a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds, as Dymond Gladney led UH in assists with seven.
Houston shot 43.6 percent from the field, including 31.1 percent from three-point range.
Oklahoma's (0-1) Madi Williams led all scorers with 25 points, as Mandy Simpson posted a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Houston set the the tone early via a 7-2 scoring run in the first two minutes of the game. Julia Blackshell-Fair scored the first Cougar basket of the 2020-21 season, driving through the lane after gaining control of the jump ball. Sharpshooting and tough defense helped OU even things up at the halfway point of the frame, 11-11. Both teams went back-and-forth for the remainder of the first quarter before a timely three-point basket from junior Ca'Leyah Burrell gave Houston a one-point advantage at the quarter break.
Leading 26-25, Houston turned things up defensively in the second quarter and ultimately outscored Oklahoma, 20-19. Blackshell-Fair remained poised, but aggressive earning three trips to the free throw line where she knocked down 5-of-6 free throw attempts. UH forced four OU turnovers, outscoring the Sooners 7-3 off turnovers to close out the frame. As time dwindled down, Houston redshirt senior Eryka Sidney dribbled to the top of the key where she sank a jump shot with only second left on the clock to give UH a 46-44 lead at the half.
The third quarter would be the turning point for the Cougars as Houston outscored Oklahoma 27-17. UH got going from behind the three-point line, knocking down four of its seven attempts. Onyeje paced the Cougars, scoring 13 of her 23 points during the third quarter, including three made three-pointers. Houston held Oklahoma to 16.7 percent shooting from three-point range, outscoring OU 6-0 in transition.
The Houston defense kept things tight as time winded down, forcing six fourth quarter turnovers. Fouls plagued the Cougars as Oklahoma managed to chip away at UH's lead with help from trips to the free throw line. Freshman, Laila Blair had the hot hand in the fourth quarter, scoring seven of Houston's 24 fourth quarter points. The Cougars held on, late ultimately picking up its second straight win over the Sooners.
ITEMS OF NOTE
- Houston scored its most points since Feb. 17, 2018 in a 97-81 win over ECU.
- Houston has won its last two meetings with Oklahoma, trailing the all-time series, 3-2.
- The win marks Hughey's second victorty over a Big 12 opponent.
- Houston wins its first season-opener since the 2016-17 season.
Houston will head to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama on Nov. 29. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. CT on SEC Network +.
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.
--UHCougars.com--
Team Stats
UH
OU
FG%
.436
.417
3FG%
.313
.200
FT%
.679
.821
RB
41
50
TO
12
21
STL
12
3
Game Leaders
Scoring
Pts
23
FGM
9
3FGM
5
FTM
0
Pts
16
FGM
4
3FGM
0
FTM
8
Pts
13
FGM
6
3FGM
0
FTM
1
Pts
13
FGM
4
3FGM
1
FTM
4
Players Mentioned
G
/ Women's BasketballG
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's BasketballG
/ Women's BasketballG
/ Women's Basketball
G
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