Tuesday, January 14
Houston, Texas
7 p.m.
University of Houston
79
vs
76
Oklahoma State
Cougars Upset #24/rv Oklahoma State in First Conference Win of the Season
1/14/2025 10:14:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Women’s Basketball collects its first ranked win since the 2022-23 season
HOUSTON – After a tight game down the stretch, the University of Houston Women's Basketball program knocked off #24 Oklahoma State, 79-76, on Tuesday evening inside Fertitta Center.
The win marked Houston's first against a ranked opponent since a 71-69 victory at #24/21 South Florida (Feb. 12, 2023) and the first at the Fertitta Center since #13/13 South Florida, 67-49 (Feb. 27, 2021).
Sophomore guard Kierra Merchant recorded 20 points and four steals, followed by redshirt sophomore guard Gigi Cooke's 16 points and five rebounds. Graduate guard Eylia Love posted 15 points while graduate guard Laila Blair added 10 points, including three 3-pointers and a season-high seven assists. Blair is now five treys away from breaking Brittney Scott's school record of 226 made 3-pointers.
Houston (5-12, 1-5 Big 12) started with an early six-point lead, but the Cowgirls (14-3, 4-2 Big 12) knocked down four-straight 3-pointers to take an 18-15 advantage. Sophomore guard Summer Bostock drained a triple to even the quarter at 18.
It was a back-and-forth battle to open the second stanza, but what was a 28-27 Oklahoma State lead before the media timeout became an 11-point Houston lead with help from a pair of 3-pointers from Merchant.
Houston opened the third period on a 19-4 run to extend its lead to 26 points. The Cowgirls responded and closed the quarter with a 10-4 run as the Cougars led, 62-42, heading into the final 10 minutes.
Oklahoma State attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter by forcing 13 Houston turnovers and outscoring the Cougars, 34-17. A layup by redshirt senior guard Leilani Augmon and a free throw by Merchant gave the Cougars a six-point advantage in the final 23 seconds.
With 15 seconds remaining, sophomore guard Stailee Heard knocked down a 3-pointer to put the Cowgirls within three. Oklahoma State was able to regain possession of the ball to give Heard the final shot, but fell short of tying the game.
UP NEXT
The Cougars continue Big 12 action as they head to Waco, Texas, to take on rv/24 Baylor at 6 p.m., Friday inside Foster Pavilion.
Houston returns to the Fertitta Center for a two-game homestand against Texas Tech on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m., for Student Org Night and Saturday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. against Kansas for its Blackout/Alumni Game.
Houston Women's Basketball alumni will be recognized in-game for their contributions to the program against Kansas. Women's basketball alumni can register by clicking here or by contacting Director of Operations/Assistant Coach Myyah West (mjwest@cougarnet.uh.edu) for more information regarding the game.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Women's Basketball by purchasing single game tickets, supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective – and by joining the Fast Break Club which provides support directly to Houston Women's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarWBB on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarWBB or on the team's Instagram page at @UHCougarWBB.
The win marked Houston's first against a ranked opponent since a 71-69 victory at #24/21 South Florida (Feb. 12, 2023) and the first at the Fertitta Center since #13/13 South Florida, 67-49 (Feb. 27, 2021).
Sophomore guard Kierra Merchant recorded 20 points and four steals, followed by redshirt sophomore guard Gigi Cooke's 16 points and five rebounds. Graduate guard Eylia Love posted 15 points while graduate guard Laila Blair added 10 points, including three 3-pointers and a season-high seven assists. Blair is now five treys away from breaking Brittney Scott's school record of 226 made 3-pointers.
Houston (5-12, 1-5 Big 12) started with an early six-point lead, but the Cowgirls (14-3, 4-2 Big 12) knocked down four-straight 3-pointers to take an 18-15 advantage. Sophomore guard Summer Bostock drained a triple to even the quarter at 18.
It was a back-and-forth battle to open the second stanza, but what was a 28-27 Oklahoma State lead before the media timeout became an 11-point Houston lead with help from a pair of 3-pointers from Merchant.
Houston opened the third period on a 19-4 run to extend its lead to 26 points. The Cowgirls responded and closed the quarter with a 10-4 run as the Cougars led, 62-42, heading into the final 10 minutes.
Oklahoma State attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter by forcing 13 Houston turnovers and outscoring the Cougars, 34-17. A layup by redshirt senior guard Leilani Augmon and a free throw by Merchant gave the Cougars a six-point advantage in the final 23 seconds.
With 15 seconds remaining, sophomore guard Stailee Heard knocked down a 3-pointer to put the Cowgirls within three. Oklahoma State was able to regain possession of the ball to give Heard the final shot, but fell short of tying the game.
UP NEXT
The Cougars continue Big 12 action as they head to Waco, Texas, to take on rv/24 Baylor at 6 p.m., Friday inside Foster Pavilion.
Houston returns to the Fertitta Center for a two-game homestand against Texas Tech on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m., for Student Org Night and Saturday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. against Kansas for its Blackout/Alumni Game.
Houston Women's Basketball alumni will be recognized in-game for their contributions to the program against Kansas. Women's basketball alumni can register by clicking here or by contacting Director of Operations/Assistant Coach Myyah West (mjwest@cougarnet.uh.edu) for more information regarding the game.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Women's Basketball by purchasing single game tickets, supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective – and by joining the Fast Break Club which provides support directly to Houston Women's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarWBB on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarWBB or on the team's Instagram page at @UHCougarWBB.
– UHCougars.com –
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