SCOUTING THE BEARCATS Cincinnati enters Saturday’s contest with a 10-5 overall record and a 1-1 mark in American Conference play after falling to SMU 64-47 in their opener and defeating UCF 63-57 on Wednesday.
As a team, the Bearcats average 64.1 points per game while allowing opponents to score just 58.0. Cincinnati shoots 37.6 percent from the field, including 32.7 percent from beyond the 3-point line, while allowing opponents to shoot 36.4 and 31.7 percent, respectively. On the glass, the Bearcats outrebound their opponents by a slim margin at 38.8 to 38.5.
Individually, the Bearcats are led on offense by junior Shanice Johnson who averages 14.2 points per game, while Ana Owens adds 13.4 per contest. Johnson also dominates the glass for UC, pulling down 9.4 of Cincinnati’s 38.8 rebounds per game.
- Houston scored 39 points in the first half, matching the second time they have accomplished that feat this season, and this week, after doing so on Sunday against Tulsa. - Houston was able to exploit the Bearcats down low, winning the points in the paint battle 44-38. - The Cougars were able to get out and run in the contest, scoring 23 of their 64 points on the fast break. - Houston won the bench-points battle for the 13th time this season, outscoring Cincinnati with their reserves 23-13. - Both Harris and junior Brianne Coffman set new career-highs with blocks after swatting three and two shots respectively. - Junior guard Dionna Collins made her Houston debut for the Cougars after transferring in prior to last season, and battling an injury through the first half of this season.
UP NEXT FOR THE COUGARS The Cougars return home on Wednesday, Jan 11, when they play host to UCF inside Hofheinz Pavilion. Tipoff against the Knights is scheduled for 7:02 p.m., with the game airing live via ESPN3.
