Following a disappointing loss to University of the Incarnate Word on Monday, UH women’s basketball rebounded with a hard fought 68-66 victory over Texas A&M – Corpus Christi Friday night.
In a game that was close throughout featuring six ties and 12 lead changes, the Cougars (2-1) built up an eight point lead. The Islanders (0-3) then went on a 18-9 run over the final eight minutes and the Cougars went into the half down 32-33.
“In the huddle late in the game, I challenged the team to think about why they were playing,” said head Coach Ronald Hughey. “We play for the people that are important to us, inside of the team and out, and I think that motivation was a big part of our success tonight, especially down the stretch.”
Senior forward Terran Alford hit the go-ahead lay-up with 1:40 remaining and junior guard Jessieka Palmer sealed it with a season-high 20 points, three of which were in the final 15 seconds.
Palmer turned it on when it mattered most going 7-10 from the field and scoring 16 points in the second half, including 12 of the Cougars’ final 17.
The Cougar defense once again showed to take advantage of their opponent’s sloppiness scoring 20 points off of 15 Islanders turnovers and forced them into 21 personal fouls.
It wasn’t all flawless, as the Cougars continued to struggle on the glass, getting out-rebounded 30-43 and shooting only 50 percent from the foul line.
Houston will look to continue its winning ways over the Thanksgiving weekend as the team travels to Puerto Rico for the San Juan Shootout, playing Idaho State on Friday and James Madison on Saturday, with tipoff scheduled for both games at 4 p.m.
