N'Yah Boyd's 21 points leads Houston to 81-54 win over New Orleans

POSTED: November 26, 2023 -- 11:50 p.m. CT

HOUSTON, TX (Fertitta Center) -- The Houston Cougars defeated the New Orleans Privateers 81-54 Sunday afternoon to improve to 4-0 this season. Houston point guard N'Yah Boyd led Coogs with 21 points and 5 assists in Sunday's victory.

New Orleans' quick guards handled Houston's full court defense well in the first quarter. The Privateers only committed 3 turnovers in the first quarter and held a 14-10 lead over Houston before the Coogs scored 7 of the last 9 points to lead 17-16 after 10 minutes.

New Orleans (1-4) shot 53.3 fg% (8 for 15) in the first quarter.

"We were just sluggish," Boyd said about Houston's first quarter. "We weren't picking up like we usually do. We wasn't played hard on defense. Once that happened, we picked it up. We started to be the team we usually be."

Houston amped up the defense in the second quarter and limited New Orleans to 4 for 17 field goal shooting (23.5 fg%) and forced the Privateers to commit 5 turnovers.

The Coogs outscored the Privateers 30-14 in the second quarter. Boyd scored 7 of her 21 points and teammates Kamryn Jones (8 points) and Bria Patterson (9 points) combined for 17 points in the second 10 minutes.

Boyd's 21 points and 5 assists earned her two of Houston's 4 WWE-themed belts: the "I'm Her" and the "Queen of Dimes".

Kamryn Jones received the "Queen of the Boards" belt for grabbing 11 rebounds and freshman guard Kierra Merchant received the "Queen of Steals" for picking up 4 steals in today's game.

"We have a formula that's working for us," Ron Hughey, Houston Head Coach said after the game. "We wouldn't be anything without the buy in from our team."

Patterson, one of Houston's veteran leaders, agreed with Coach Hughey regarding the team's buying into the Houston culture.

"I feel like with the new people it's new to them; so, they want to learn it and figure it out and things like it," Patterson commented. "So, it's easy for them to come in and buy into it. And, I've been here; so, the buy in is easier for me. I mean it's showing on the court. Everybody is doing what they need to do."

Houston led New Orleans 47-30 at halftime. The Coogs outscored the Privateers 17-9 in the third quarter and 17-15 in the final period to earn win number 4 this season.

Houston dominated New Orleans on the boards with a 62-36 rebounding edge.

"The best part about today was our rebounding," Coach Hughey said remarked. "We finally took care of rebounds; so, those drills are starting to pay off for us. Getting 33 offensive rebounds and 62 overall, really excited about that."

Houston's 4-0 start is its best start since the 2010-11 season.

NEXT:

Houston's next game is Wednesday, November 29, at home, versus Middle Tennessee. Tip is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.

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