Jan. 27, 2007
Box Score
The SMU women's basketball team dropped to 11-9 on the year with a 81-65 loss to conference opponent Houston Saturday afternoon in Houston, Texas. SMU's winless streak now extends to four games - the most this season. Houston improves to 7-11 overall (4-4 C-USA).
In the first half, SMU opened the game with a 6-0 run before Houston got on the scoreboard. Houston got into the flow of the game and claimed the lead at 13-10 at the 14:01 mark. The Mustangs' defense prevented Houston from scoring for nearly six minutes, but SMU could not take full advantage of that span. At the 8:29 mark, SMU only held a one-point lead (16-15). The Mustangs' rebounding and poor Houston shooting combined for a 32-23 SMU lead at the 3:02 mark. At the intermission, the Mustangs held a 37-30 lead. SMU shot a solid 45.2% from the field while holding the Cougars to 28.2% from the field. The offensive rebound edge went to Houston (17-7) as the Cougars scored 18 of their 30 points on second chances.
In the second half, Houston came out more aggressive and outscored SMU, 9-2, in the first three minutes of the game and knotted the score at 39-39 and took the lead, 41-39, at the 16:05 mark. Houston extended it to 47-41 at the 12:13 mark. Freshman Alice Severin fouled out of the game at the 10:18 mark. SMU continued to struggle in its shooting while Houston benefited on loose balls and extra scoring chances. The Mustangs found themselves down by 13 (58-45) at the 9:02 mark, but a charge when freshman Jillian Samuels scored five straight points to get within six points (58-52) at the 6:56 mark. Houston got the lead back to 11 points (63-52) at the 5:17 mark. SMU tried to slice into the lead but it was too little, too late as the Cougars scored their final 15 points from the free throw line. SMU shot a mere 22.5% from the field in the second half.
The Mustangs were soundly outrebounded by the Cougars, 68-40, including 36 Houston offensive rebounds that turned into 38 Cougar points.
SMU's top scorer was freshman Jillian Samuels with a career-high 22 points. Janielle Dodds added 12 points and nine rebounds while Katy Cobb scored 12 points. Four Houston players recorded double-doubles led by Tye Jackson's 21 points and 10 rebounds. Sha'Quaylon McKinney poured in 18 points and 16 rebounds.
SMU returns home for a contest against UCF on Thursday, Feb. 1. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. at Moody Coliseum.
