The Cougars achieved their best start in program history by remaining undefeated and taking down East Carolina 77-60 Sunday at Hofheinz Pavilion.
The Cougars (20-4, 11-0 Conference USA) defense was a constant throughout the game. When the offense woke up midway through the first half, they left ECU in the rearview mirror.
The Cougars pulled away from the Pirates (11-13, 5-6) early in the first half after head coach Todd Buchanan inserted Jasmine Johnson into the game. She provided an immediate spark with her play on both ends of the court.
“Our main thing is be aggressive and attack the basket,” Johnson said.
“Whether or not you’re on with your shot, you can always get to the foul line or make an easy bucket.”
The Cougars leaned on Lesslee Mason to hold down the middle when foul trouble limited Courtney Taylor to 16 minutes. Mason responded with 12 points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes.
“It’s been a rough week for Courtney and I scoring-wise,” Mason said. “We’ve still won both games by 20.
“It just shows it can be anyone’s game on any given night and that’s how good of a team we are.”
Brittney Scott provided scoring from outside with 20 points, 5 rebounds and shot 3-7 from behind the 3-point line.