The Cougars fell short to Memphis at home in another loss, despite being down by as many as 13 points in the first period before coming back and making it a four-point game at half time.
“They… had a team meeting among themselves, because they knew the things that they were doing weren’t up to par, especially up to their potential and their talent,” head coach Ronald Hughey said.
The Cougars clawed their way through the second half, staying only three points behind Memphis with four minutes left in the game.
“Down three at 3:51, we talked about value in the ball,” Hughey said, “Now it’s those four-minute games we play in practice; now you’re being tight with every catch; now it’s you opening up and get your foot across to catch or secure the ball.”
Making it a competitive game, the Cougars couldn’t take the lead and fell short to Memphis 64-58. Although the team is riding a losing streak, Hughey still sees light at the end of the tunnel.
“The group is working hard.” Hughey said. “You talk about trying to rebuild the culture and get the mentality going for the types of players in the program you want, and a lot of people don’t think that you can do it with the players that are here. But we can, and we will not stop trying until we get it done. That’s the one thing you can bet every single day.”
The Cougars will head to Philadelphia to face off against the Temple Owls on Valentine’s Day.