Playing in a conference with the No. 1 team in the country is both a blessing and a curse as the Houston Cougars learned Tuesday night, following a 85-26 loss to defending national champion and No. 1 UConn Huskies at the XL Center in Hartford.
The Cougars (6-20, 1-14) couldn’t find a hold in the Huskie (25-1, 14-0) defense, being held to 26 points on 20.3 percent shooting, 2-18 (11.1 percent) from behind the arc.
The Cougars were led offensively by freshman guard Mariah Mitchell for the fourth time this season, whose nine points were complimented by junior forward Tyler Gilbert as she continued her strong season, adding two points and seven rebounds.
Reigning national player of the year Breanna Stewart led all scorers with 26 for the Huskies along with adding five rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
The Cougars return home to face the in-state rival SMU Mustangs on Feb. 21 as part of the “H” Day celebration.
