Coogs trounced by Tulsa, 87-72

POSTED: January 23, 2013 -- 11:25 p.m. CT

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- The Houston Cougars' struggles continued Wednesday night as the Tulsa Golden Hurricane shot lights out and trounced the Coogs 87-72 in front of a dazed and disappointed crowd of 3,197 fans.

Defense has not been the Coogs' calling card most of the 2012-'13 season; and, Wednesday night's effort continued the porous trend. Tulsa shot 53.3% (16 for 30) from the field in the first half and led 40 to 32 at halftime; however, Tulsa's Scottie Haralson erupted in the first two plus minutes of the second half.

Haralson scored a layup before swishing three consecutive three-point shots for Tulsa's first 11 points of the second half -- in just two minutes and 38 seconds -- to put Tulsa up 51-34.

Houston (12-6 overall, 1-4 in Conference USA) scored the next five points to move with 12 points; but, Tulsa responded with a 12-2 to lead 63-41 with 10:41 remaining in the game.

Tulsa's Brandon Swannegan, from Cy Ridge High School, scored seven of the 12 points in the run.

The Coogs got no closer than 15 points during the final 10 minutes of the game.

TaShawn Thomas had an opportunity at the foul line to sink two free throws and pull the Coogs within 13 points with 4 minutes remaining; but, Thomas missed both foul shots and, once again, Haralson drained a three-point shot to put Tulsa up 71-53 and send the fans home for the evening.

Too many turnovers (14); poor defense; lack of energy; and poor shooting (22 for 54, 40.7%) add up to the Coogs' fourth consecutive loss.

Joseph Young scored a team-high 16 points -- 7 of the points came in the final three minutes of the ball game. Danuel House scored 15 points; but, House only made 3 of his 10 field goal attempts. Thomas scored 12 points and pulled down 13 rebounds; but, he made only 4 of his field goal attempts.

After the game, Thomas told the media, his teammates "tucked their tails" when Tulsa started knocking down shots.

Coach James Dickey hinted at possible changes in his player rotation.

Tulsa (12-8, 4-2) shot 31 for 61 (50.8%) from the floor - including 48% (12 for 25) from the three point line. The Coogs made just 5 of their 20 field goal attempts.

The Coogs will attempt to bounce back and get a win Saturday, January 26, versus UAB. Tip is set for 5 p.m.

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