Coogs Beat Jaguars in Exhibition Finale

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Cougars defeated the Houston Jaguars 82 to 63 before a very vocal (and surprisingly large -- for a women's game at UH, that is) crowd inside Hofheinz Pavilion Monday Night.

The Coogs limited the Jaguars to just 33.3% (27 for 81) field goal shooting while connecting on 47.0% (31 for 66) from the field.

UH led throughout the game; and, the Jaguars never got closer than nine points in the second half of the ball game.

Junior guard Brittney Scott led all scorers with 24 points (8 for 16, including 4 for 9 on threes). Courtney Taylor (15 points and a game-high 17 rebounds) and newcomer Lesslee Mason (12 points and 12 rebounds) each produced double-doubles.

UH led the Jaguars 45 to 27 at halftime thanks to 15 for 31 (51.6%) shooting from the field. However, Houston's offense bogged down and the turnovers revved up. Thirteen turnovers (mostly unforced errors) kept the poor shooting Jaguars in the ball game.

"I was a little disappointed in the second half and letting them come back," said UH head coach Joe Curl. "But, we pull together and pulled back out a little bit."

Due to a lack of size in the front court, Coach Curl's Cougars played with a three guard line-up the entire ball game.

"I think that's where our strength is going to be. We have to play 94 feet by 50 feet defensively and offensively. I think that's who we are. We just have to rebound by committee and not give up a lot off offensive putback points."

Courtney Taylor had a very solid game; but, one aspect of her game was quite subpar. Taylor hit just three of her nine free throw attempts.

"I was three for nine which is terrible," Taylor admitted. "So, that's what I'm going to be working on in practice. I usually make them in practice. My free throw percentage has gotten better -- in practice. These free throws (tonight) just rolled out. Half of them were going in and came out."

Taylor said tonight's game is a good indicator for the team.

"It shows us kind of where we are and what we need to improve. We need to cut down our turnovers and improve our transition defense. We need to learn how to block out better, too."

Taylor believes the team is almost ready for the season opener this Friday on the road versus Gardner-Webb.

"We're almost there. Defensively. We need to get better and we need to stop transition."

Coach Curl believes his squad is ready.

"I think the kids are (ready). We were anxious to play against a different team (tonight). Now, we got Tuesday and Wednesday (to practice). We travel on Thursday; and, the game is on Friday. We're really looking forward to opening up the season."