The New Orleans regional will be played at Lakefront Arena, and will also consist of the host school University of New Orleans as well as CSU-Northridge, who will meet following the Houston/Milwaukee game on Friday.
ABOUT THE PANTHERS Milwaukee fell 77-73 to Drake in the opening round of the Preseason WNIT on Friday. The Panthers, who are members of the Horizon League, were led by senior Steph Kostowicz’s double-double, when she scored 26 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.
Houston and Milwaukee have never met on the hardwood.
THE STARTING FIVE Here are five names, numbers, news items and storylines you need to know about Friday’s Preseason WNIT consolation round game against Milwaukee.
New Orleans Regional – Following its First Round loss in the Preseason WNIT at Texas A&M, Houston was placed in the New Orleans Consolation Regional, where they are paired with Milwaukee. The regional also includes New Orleans and CSUN.
Who Are You – The Cougars have no history with any of the three teams in the bracket, having never met Milwaukee, New Orleans or Cal State-Northridge on the hardwood.
Long Road – Houston continues its month-long opening road trip with the second round of the Preseason WNIT. The Cougars will play their first eight games away from home.
Ready to Run – Head Coach Ronald Hughey has always had the mantra of press, run and have fun. The Cougars were able to execute this plan well in the opener, outscoring Texas A&M 10-2 on the fast break.
Budding Talent – Houston has had three freshmen over the past two seasons make the American Athletic Conference All-Freshman squad. Serithia Hawkins earned the honor unanimously in 2015-16, while Angela and Jasmyne Harris garnered laurels last season.
With her performance on the boards, junior Serithia Hawkins passed Karen Yee (474; 1987-90) for 20th on the all-time Houston rebounding list. Hawkins now has 490 career boards.
Houston was able to win the rebounding margin, pulling down 50 boards to New Orleans’ 46. The Cougars collected 18 offensive rebounds and scored 14 second chance points.
Houston was a force down low, outscoring the Privateers 40-12 in the paint.
The Cougars forced 23 turnovers in the game and scored 23 points off turnovers.
Houston got a big production from its bench, outscoring the Privateers 26-16 with its reserves.