Cougars listless in loss to Tulane

Posted: February 2, 2013 -- 5:52 p.m. CT.

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- The Houston Cougars struggled to make shots; and, they struggled on defense. The Tulane Green Wave had no such struggles. Consequently, the Coogs lost to the Green Wave 74-56 Saturday afternoon in front of 560 fans gathered inside Hofheinz Pavilion.

Houston's Marche' Amerson scored a layup to begin the scoring; but, Tulane scored seven straight points.

The Coogs pulled within 7-6 before Tiffany Dale scored a left-handed layup and Janique Kautsky scored eight straight (one jumper and two 3s) to own a 17-8 lead over the Coogs.

Houston trailed 19-10 before an 8-2 spurt trimmed the deficit to just three (21-18); but, Tulane's Adesuwa Ebomwonyi sank a three-point shot and the Green Wave finished the first half with a 14-7 run to lead 35-25 at halftime.

Tulane's Danielle Blagg sank two three-point shots to open the second half; and, the Coogs failed to score a single for four minutes. Once Houston's Yasmeen Thompson broke the drought, the Green Wave responded with a 12-2 run to lead 56-29 at the 10:48 mark of the second half.

Tulane shot 52.5% (31 for 59) from the floor including 50% (10 for 20) from three-point range. The Green Wave had 21 assists on the 31 baskets.

The Coogs (9-11 overall, 3-4 in Conference USA) made one third of their shots (22 for 66 overall, 8 for 23 on threes).

The Coogs have lost three straight games while the Green Wave (16-4, 5-2) has won two straight and six of eight.

Houston freshman Alecia Smith was the lone bright spot for the Coogs. Smith scored 23 points (career-high 7 three-point field goals.)