Fans can hear the contest against the Mustangs live via the home for Houston Women’s Basketball Radio, UHCougars.com/wbbradio. Live statistics are also available through SideArm Stats, and the official Twitter account of Houston Women’s Basketball @OfficialUHWBB, will offer updates throughout the game.
SCOUTING THE MUSTANGS SMU enters Saturday’s contest with an 8-12 overall record and a 2-5 mark in American Athletic Conference play. The Mustangs enter on a 1-game winning streak after defeating USF last week. SMU is 0-6 when playing on the road this season.
_ _ The Mustangs have a pair of players averaging double figures in scoring this season, including a team-best 11.7 from Alicia Froling. Kayla White scores 1.5 per game to rank second on the team. SMU has scored no more than 50 points in its last four contest, while shooting 35.5 percent from the field and 22.6 percent from beyond the 3-point line. SMU is holding opponents to 59.2 points per game, allowing 36.3 percent shooting from the field and 30.1 percent from long-range.
TOP PERFORMERS Houston: Branch posted a team-high 17 points. The game marks the second time in the last three games that Branch has scored in double-figures. Angela Harris led all players with six assists and three players finished the game with six rebounds.
_ _ SMU: The Mustangs had four players reach double figures in the game, led by Kayla White who led all scorers with 18. Marie Olsen paced SMU on the boards with nine rebounds.
_ _ NEWS AND NOTES
* Houston is now 36-25 all-time against SMU, winning the last four matchups. * Barnes knocked down a three-point shot for the 12th straight game. * This is the fourth time this season that Branch has made atleast five three-pointers in a game. * For the 20th time this season Houston forced atleast 15 turnovers. * The Cougars improved to 5-3 in conference play and 11-10 overall.
Houston won the game despite committing 23 turnovers while SMU committed 18 turnovers. However, Houston scored 25 points off SMU’s turnovers while SMU scored 14 points off Houston’s miscues.
Houston was out-rebounded 47-37 in the game; and, SMU outscored Houston 36-18 in the paint.
“We’re trying to do a few rebounding drills; and, some box out stuff,” Hughey commented. “In the end, it’s all about heart. Just like when Alyssa Okoene and Serithia Hawkins went and got those rebounds at the end of the game; they can get those during the game.”
