Cougars crushed by SMU

Posted: January 21, 2017 -- 9:42 pm CST.

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- The Houston Cougars struggled, once again, to make shots in a ball game this season.  The Cougars made six field goals (out of 25 attempts) in the second-half and were crushed by the SMU Mustangs 66-45 in front of an announced crowd of 957 fans.

The Cougars (8-11 overall, 1-5 in The American Athletic Conference) led 17-16 at the end of the first period. In the opening quarter, the Coogs shot 30% (6 for 20) from the floor. That shooting percentage was the Coogs' high water mark.

The Coogs shot 26.7% (4 for 15) in the second and third quarters and 20.0% (2 for 10) in the fourth quarter.

Houston trailed SMU 28-27 at halftime.

The Mustangs blitzed the Coogs 24-12 in the third quarter and led 52-39 after three quarters.

Houston's first (of two) fourth quarter baskets occurred with 3:25 remaining in the final quarter.

In addition to the shoddy shooting, the Coogs also turned the ball over 21 times -- 13 turnovers in the second half. The Mustangs scored 21 points off Houston's turnovers.

Coogs 45, SMU 66

SMU turned over the ball 15 times; but, the Coogs only scored 4 points off the turnovers.

Houston was led by Jasmyne Harris' 16 points (6 for 13 field goals); however, Harris committed a team-high 6 turnovers. Jacqueline Blake added 11 points.

After the game, Houston head coach Ronald Hughey told the media, the difference between the first half and the second half was, "Just a lack of focus for us. And, a lack of pride."

The Cougars will attempt to snap their five-game losing streak Wednesday, January 25, on the road at Memphis. Tip is set for 7 p.m.

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