Coogs lose to Owls, 79-69

POSTED: January 30, 2013 -- 10:45 p.m. CT

HOUSTON, TX (Tudor Fieldhouse) -- Media in the know are not surprised by this result: the Houston Cougars lost to the Rice Owls, 79-69, Wednesday night inside Tudor Fieldhouse in front of an announced crowd of 2532 fans.

Despite a 15 point lead with 6:01 left in the first half, the Coogs (13-7 overall, 2-5 in Conference USA) failed to put the Owls away. The Coogs led by just eight points (33-25) at halftime.

The 1 for 6 free throw shooting in the first half didn't help the Coogs increase the lead. The 26-14 edge on the glass was negated by the slower pace of the game; and, the Owls only committed one first half turnover.

After limiting the Owls to 2 for 14 three-point shooting in the first half, the Coogs' defense broke down early in the second half. The Owls took advantage and sank two of their first three 3-point field goal tries.

The Coogs had a clear advantage in the post; but, the guards failed to get the ball to the big men time and time again.

Leon Gibson took 0 field goal attempts in the second half. TaShawn Thomas only took 3 shots (made all 3) while J.J. Richardson got 4 goal attempts (made 3).

The game was tied four times in the final eight minutes; but, once Leon Gibson sank two free throws to give the Coogs a 63-62 lead, Owls freshman guard Max Guercy put the Owls up for good with a three-point basket. The Owls closed the game with a 17-6 run.

Final stats can be deceiving: the Coogs shot a higher field-goal percentage than Rice (48.2% to 45.5%); out-rebounded the Owls 37-29; and only committed 9 turnovers. However, look closer at the numbers: the Owls shot 65.2% (15 for 23) from the field in the second half and only turned the ball over a total of four times in the ball game.

Next for the Coogs is a Saturday afternoon road game against SMU. Tip is set for 2 p.m.

CLICK HERE for news and info about the Coogs' men's basketball team.

CLICK HERE for The HRR's write-ups of Coogs' men's hoops games.