Houston Cougars 50, SMU Mustangs 63
Posted: February 2, 2012 -- 10:21 p.m. CT.
HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- The Houston Cougars scored their average in Conference USA games Thursday night versus the Southern Methodist Mustangs: 50. However, despite solid (not spectacular) defense, the Cougars (2-18 overall, 1-7 in Conference USA) lost to the Mustangs 63-50 in front of 441 fans.
Once again, poor, poor field goal shooting doomed the Coogs. Houston made only six of 28 field goal attempts (21.4%) in the first half while the Mustangs (12-9, 5-3) warmed up late in the first half to shoot 11 for 26 (42.3%). The Mustangs made 5 of their last 9 shots to close the half and lead 30 to 20 at halftime.
The Cougars trailed 39-29 before a 7 to 0 run shrunk their deficit to just three points with 10:33 remaining in the second half; however, another scoring drought combined with a 15 to 4 run by the Mustangs put the game away and handed the Coogs loss number seven in C-USA play thus far this season.
Freshman Amanda Lawson scored a team-high 14 points for the Coogs; and, frosh Danielle Parks added 13. The Coogs did not help their chances to win with 52.2% (12 for 23) free throw shooting.
SMU's Akil Simpson scored a game-high 17 points. Eleven Mustangs played. Ten scored.
The Cougars hit the road for a Sunday afternoon game versus the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
