CHAMP CENTRAL
UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Five players scored in double figures for 10
th-seeded Houston as the Cougars defeated No. 7 Cincinnati, 74-61, in the first round of the Frontier Communications American Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Championship.
Freshman Angela Harris led Houston with 17 points on 5-of-7 shooting and three 3-pointers. Fellow rookie Jasmyne Harris added 16 points and eight rebounds in the victory, while Serithia Hawkins chipped in 15. Jacqueline Blake and Dorian Branch contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively.
The Cougars shot 54-percent (7-of-13) in the first and fourth quarters and scored 26 points in the final stanza to secure the win. It was the first victory in six meetings with Cincinnati for Houston coach Ron Hughey, and his first victory in this event.
Ana Owens had a game-high 20 points to lead the Bearcats, while Shanice Johnson and Bianca Quisenberry added 15 and 10, respectively.
The Cougars held a 30-20 advantage in the paint while leading 10-2 in fast break points.
With the win, Houston advances to face second seeded Temple in the third quarterfinals game Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN3