Saturday, February 15
Boulder, Colo.
7 p.m. CT
University of Houston
5-20,1-13Big 12
60
at
83
Colorado
17-8,8-6Big 12
1
2
3
4
F
Houston
15
9
19
17
60
Colorado
21
22
19
21
83
Cougars Fall Against Buffaloes
2/15/2025 9:55:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Four of Houston's starters score in double-figures on Saturday
BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Houston Women's basketball team dropped an 83-60 battle against Colorado in its first Big 12 Conference meeting against the Buffaloes inside CU Events Center on Saturday.
With her 122nd career start on Saturday, graduate guard Laila Blair surpassed Porshe Landry (121, 2008-13) for the most starts in Houston Women's Basketball history.
The Cougars (5-20, 1-13 Big 12) had four of their starters score in double-figures as they were led by Blair's 18 points. Graduate guard Eylia Love and sophomore guard Kierra Merchant each scored 12 points while redshirt sophomore guard Gigi Cooke added 11 points.
Colorado (17-8, 8-6 Big 12) was led in scoring by sophomore Ayianna Johnson's 20 points. The Buffaloes had two score double-doubles as freshman Grace Oliver posted 16 points and 14 rebounds while freshman Erin Powell had 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Houston started strong with seven early points by Blair to lead 13-9 at the media timeout. Following the short break, Merchant increased Houston's lead by six. Colorado quickly found an answer as it went on a 12-0 run in the final four minutes of the quarter to lead 21-15.
The Buffaloes carried over the momentum into the second quarter as they went on a pair of runs including a final 8-0 run to take a 43-24 lead at the half.
The Cougars put up a hard-fought battle in the third as Merchant and Love scored five quick points to trim the deficit to 14. As Houston found its groove, Colorado continued to respond and ended the quarter with a 19-point lead.
Houston continued to chip away in the fourth as it used an 8-1 run to get within 13, but Johnson scored four to increase Colorado's lead, 73-56. Cooke used a pair of visits to the free throw line to get the Cougars back within 13. Houston's shooting went cold in the final minutes of the game as Colorado went on a final 10-0 run to seal the victory.
UP NEXT
The Cougars remain on the road as they head to Ames, Iowa, to face Iowa State at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday inside Hilton Coliseum.
Following its trip to Iowa State, Houston returns to Fertitta Center as it hosts Arizona on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m., for its annual Play4Kay Game. Fans in attendance will receive a free pink t-shirt and Play4Kay buttons while supplies last.
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.
With her 122nd career start on Saturday, graduate guard Laila Blair surpassed Porshe Landry (121, 2008-13) for the most starts in Houston Women's Basketball history.
The Cougars (5-20, 1-13 Big 12) had four of their starters score in double-figures as they were led by Blair's 18 points. Graduate guard Eylia Love and sophomore guard Kierra Merchant each scored 12 points while redshirt sophomore guard Gigi Cooke added 11 points.
Colorado (17-8, 8-6 Big 12) was led in scoring by sophomore Ayianna Johnson's 20 points. The Buffaloes had two score double-doubles as freshman Grace Oliver posted 16 points and 14 rebounds while freshman Erin Powell had 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Houston started strong with seven early points by Blair to lead 13-9 at the media timeout. Following the short break, Merchant increased Houston's lead by six. Colorado quickly found an answer as it went on a 12-0 run in the final four minutes of the quarter to lead 21-15.
The Buffaloes carried over the momentum into the second quarter as they went on a pair of runs including a final 8-0 run to take a 43-24 lead at the half.
The Cougars put up a hard-fought battle in the third as Merchant and Love scored five quick points to trim the deficit to 14. As Houston found its groove, Colorado continued to respond and ended the quarter with a 19-point lead.
Houston continued to chip away in the fourth as it used an 8-1 run to get within 13, but Johnson scored four to increase Colorado's lead, 73-56. Cooke used a pair of visits to the free throw line to get the Cougars back within 13. Houston's shooting went cold in the final minutes of the game as Colorado went on a final 10-0 run to seal the victory.
UP NEXT
The Cougars remain on the road as they head to Ames, Iowa, to face Iowa State at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday inside Hilton Coliseum.
Following its trip to Iowa State, Houston returns to Fertitta Center as it hosts Arizona on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m., for its annual Play4Kay Game. Fans in attendance will receive a free pink t-shirt and Play4Kay buttons while supplies last.
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 –
Team Stats
UH
CU
FG%
.379
.485
3FG%
.250
.500
FT%
.733
.857
RB
24
48
TO
12
13
STL
10
7
Game Leaders
Pts
18
FGM
7
3FGM
2
FTM
2
Pts
12
FGM
5
3FGM
1
FTM
1
Pts
12
FGM
5
3FGM
1
FTM
1
Pts
11
FGM
2
3FGM
1
FTM
6
Players Mentioned
G
/ Women's BasketballG
/ Women's BasketballG
/ Women's BasketballG
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