Eleven consecutive losses in Conference USA play have the Cougars looking up at all 11 teams in the standings.
C-USA’s top team, University of Texas-El Paso (24-2,13-0 C-USA), is not a good remedy for ailing UH.
UTEP played like a top team and thumped UH 71-51 Sunday evening at Hofheinz Pavilion.
Roxana Button came out strong in the first half scoring 10 points, but was matched by UTEP senior, Gloria Brown’s 12.
The Cougars took the lead at 11:41 on a 3-pointer by freshman Danielle Parks, putting UH ahead 14-12.
UTEP pulled away late in the first half after an extended run put them up for good to end the half.
Brown’s scoring paced UTEP to a 35-25 lead at half-time. The Miners put together a strong showing down low, dominating the Cougars in offensive rebounds 12-2. This led to a double digit advantage in points in the paint (14-4) and UTEP taking 10 more shots in the period.
The 2-3 zone helps UH match-up better on defense, but inhibits their ability to compete inside the painted area, especially on the glass.
The second half was a continuation of the first. UH lost the battle on the offensive glass, field goals attempted and made, and second-chance points.
The Cougars have been forcing opponents into tough shooting nights but the vast rebounding differential makes it tough for UH to win consistently.