The Cougars saved the best for last.
It took overtime, but UH (25-4, 16-0 Conference USA) pulled out a 90-84 victory Saturday over Tulane, clinching an undefeated 16-0 record in conference play.
Jasmine Johnson’s 3-pointer with 1:50 remaining in regulation tied the score at 71, bringing the crowd of 1,106 to its feet.
The Cougars traded baskets with the Green Wave, but never trailed by more than three points in the closing minutes.
UH avoided a scare as Tulane guard Danielle Nunn’s half-court shot sailed wide of the basket as the clock expired.
With a one-point lead with 3:05 remaining in overtime, Brittney Scott hit a pivotal 3-pointer that pushed the UH advantage to four. Johnson sank four of six attempts free-throw attempts in the final minutes of the extra period.
“Tulane came out to play just like Rice did last week,” Scott said. “They played us really well, but we have leaders on our team. We have four starters that are seniors. Having that experience we pulled it out.”
On Senior Day, the five seniors carried the Cougars on offense, scoring 82 of their 90 points
“I told them no excuses, no regrets,” head coach Todd Buchanan said. “That’s how we got it done. They just refuse to lose, it took an extra five minutes, but I’ll take it.”
Scott led all scorers with 28 points. Courtney Taylor recorded her 19th double-double of the season with 24 points and 14 rebounds. Brittany Mason narrowly missed out on a double-double with 9 points and 12 rebounds, and the Cougars got strong production off the bench from Jasmine Johnson down the stretch to secure the victory. Lesslee Mason added 12 points and eight rebounds.
Tulane (20-9, 9-7 C-USA) received a strong performance from the speedy Dunn, who scored 25 points, easily weaving around UH defenders.
The Cougars are the second team in C-USA history to finish undefeated
“Now we can enjoy the moment,” Taylor said. “We don’t want to celebrate too early and not carry this through but we’re 16-0. To be the first team to do it is a big accomplishment and I’m proud of the girls.”
“I’m very excited. I’m living in the moment now.”
Scott led all scorers with 28 points. Courtney Taylor recorded her 19th double-double of the season with 24 points and 14 rebounds.
Brittany Mason narrowly missed out on a double-double with nine points and 12 rebounds.
The Cougars received strong production off the bench from Johnson down the stretch to secure the victory. Lesslee Mason added 12 points and eight rebounds.
The Cougars will look to continue the momentum of their 16-game winning streak in the C-USA Championship Tournament. UH is seeded No. 1 and will receive a first-round bye.
The Cougars will face the winner of No. 8-seeded SMU (14-15, 7-9) and No. 9 UTEP (15-13, 7-9) at 8:30 p.m. Thursday in El Paso.
