Second Half Scoring Drought Sinks Cougars against #22 Utah

SALT LAKE CITY – Despite a tight first three and a half quarters, the University of Houston Women's Basketball program fell, 69-42 against #22 Utah on Saturday afternoon at the Huntsman Center.

Houston (4-12, 0-5 Big 12) was led in scoring with 16 points from graduate guard Laila Blair. Utah (13-3, 4-1 Big 12) had three players in double figures including a double-double by graduate forward Mayé Touré with 22 points and 12 rebounds.

Utah opened the game on a 5-0 run, but Blair responded with a 3-pointer to move up to third on Houston's all-time scoring list. Blair now has 1,767 career points and surpassed Sonya Watkins' 1,752 points.

A quick start by the Cougars in the second quarter helped cut the deficit down to four. Utah quickly answered back and was able to lead by as many as nine. Houston responded, but two Utah free throws at the end of the quarter gave the Utes a 28-23 advantage at the half.

Both teams opened the third frame by exchanging points and a free throw by graduate guard Ashley Chevalier trimmed Utah's lead, 37-34. Following the media timeout, Houston was unable to score a field goal and Utah took advantage with an 8-0 run to lead 45-34 at the end of the quarter.

Utah continued to extend its lead as it opened the quarter with a 13-0 run. Redshirt sophomore Gigi Cooke ended the scoring drought as she scored four of her nine points in the final frame while Blair drained her fourth 3-pointer of the game. Blair is now eight 3-pointers away from becoming Houston's leader in 3-pointers made.

UP NEXT
Houston returns to Fertitta Center as it hosts Oklahoma State at 7 p.m., Tuesday for its annual RED OUT game.

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