Houston routs UMBC 67-43 to end 5-game losing streak

POSTED: December 7, 2022 -- 10:55 p.m. CT

HOUSTON, TX (Fertitta Center) -- The Houston Cougars women's basketball team routed the UMBC Retrievers 67-43 Wednesday to snap a 5-game losing streak.

Thirteen different players scored at least 2 points for Houston (2-7). Laila Blair scored 13 to lead Houston. De'Myla Brown scored 10 of Houston's 28 bench points.

"I thought the difference today was we came out and re-established our culture," Ronald Hughey, Houston Head Coach said to open the postgame media session. "Energetic. Up the line. Not allowing easy passes."

Houston forced UMBC (2-6) to commit 32 turnovers in the game. UMBC made 2 free throws with 5 seconds remaining in the first half to finish the half with more points (17) than turnovers (16).

The Coogs led 35-17 at halftime.

Houston struggled to make shots in the third quarter going 6 for 16 (37.5 fg%) from the floor; however, the Coogs forced the Retrievers into 11 turnovers in the third and also limited UMBC to 3 for 8 field goal shooting in the quarter.

The Coogs led by as much 29 points early in the final period and cruised to a much needed victory.

"I think we were definitely more dialed in as far as playing team ball," Laila Blair said after the game. "I think that was the main thing for us: just learning from a lot of these losses that we just experienced.

"I think the main thing was us learning how to play together and executing together," Blair continued. "Even though we missed some shots, we were still able to make the open passes which is moving in the right direction. I think that was the main thing: just playing team ball."

Houston outscored UMBC 40-14 in the paint; 15-2 in second chance points; 18-9 in fast break points; and 28-16 in bench points.

"One thing we talked about a lot during the whole streak thing was the faith," Coach Hughey said regarding ending the losing streak. "Trusting the process. Last year, in the middle of the year, we lost 5 in a row. We've been there before. It's basketball. It's gonna happen.

Coach Hughey continued, "Trusting the process. Keeping that faith and understanding that things happen for a reason. You have to capitalize off of it."

NEXT:

Houston's next game is scheduled for Saturday, December 10, on the road, against the Rice Owls. Tip is set for 2 p.m. on ESPN+.

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