Lady Coogs Lose Season Opener to Texas Tech
I probably won't write this too often; but, it's not everyday I see positives in an eighteen point loss. However, I definitely saw good things in the Houston Lady Cougars 69 to 51 loss to the Texas Tech Lady Raiders Tuesday night at Hofheinz Pavilion.
Similar to a few occasions last season, UH played the game with just seven players due to various circumstances; however, unlike last year's squad, this team showed promise, toughness, athleticism (thank goodness), and signs of better days ahead.
First things first, Ryan Bradley (Houston Madison HS), one of two true freshmen for UH this season, scored a game-high 18 points on perfect shooting. Bradley took eight shots and made all eight (including 2 for 2 from the three-point range). Next, point guard Maya Onikute (Barton County Community College), scored 15 points; pulled down seven rebounds; and handed out five assists. Senior Ryan Meyers pulled down a game-high 16 rebounds.
Tech jumped to an early lead which seemed to stun the young Lady Cougars; however, Bradley was inserted into the game and she drained a few perimeter shots which appeared to settle down her teammates. Houston trailed 34 to 26 at halftime despite shooting just 37.5% (12 for 32) in the opening half.
Tech started the second half with a 10-2 run to push the lead to 44 - 28; but, to their credit, UH did not quit. Houston pulled within eight points (59 to 51) with 5:05 remaining in the game; however, the Lady Cougars ran out of gas (and stopped passing the ball to Bradley) down the stretch and went scoreless as Tech finished the game with a 10 to 0 run.
Houston travels to Durham, NC, to face sixth-ranked Duke Sunday afternoon. Tip-off is set for 1 pm.
UH's non-conference schedule is brutal with games against more ranked opponents (Michigan State and USC) as well as tough road games at TCU, West Virginia, and Charlotte. However, Houston's depth should improve immensely in a matter of weeks as junior college post player Sunshine Misa-Uli is expected to join the team when volleyball season ends. Next, Tye Jackson, preseason Conference USA First Team choice, is expected to return in about four weeks following knee surgery. Lastly, two more players Nakazi Glover and ShaQualon McKinney are expected to join the team in December once they get their academics in order. Therefore, when conference play begins in January, Houston's roster could increase from seven to 11.
Houston will take some lumps for awhile; but, things should get better later this season.
Similar to a few occasions last season, UH played the game with just seven players due to various circumstances; however, unlike last year's squad, this team showed promise, toughness, athleticism (thank goodness), and signs of better days ahead.
First things first, Ryan Bradley (Houston Madison HS), one of two true freshmen for UH this season, scored a game-high 18 points on perfect shooting. Bradley took eight shots and made all eight (including 2 for 2 from the three-point range). Next, point guard Maya Onikute (Barton County Community College), scored 15 points; pulled down seven rebounds; and handed out five assists. Senior Ryan Meyers pulled down a game-high 16 rebounds.
Tech jumped to an early lead which seemed to stun the young Lady Cougars; however, Bradley was inserted into the game and she drained a few perimeter shots which appeared to settle down her teammates. Houston trailed 34 to 26 at halftime despite shooting just 37.5% (12 for 32) in the opening half.
Tech started the second half with a 10-2 run to push the lead to 44 - 28; but, to their credit, UH did not quit. Houston pulled within eight points (59 to 51) with 5:05 remaining in the game; however, the Lady Cougars ran out of gas (and stopped passing the ball to Bradley) down the stretch and went scoreless as Tech finished the game with a 10 to 0 run.
Houston travels to Durham, NC, to face sixth-ranked Duke Sunday afternoon. Tip-off is set for 1 pm.
UH's non-conference schedule is brutal with games against more ranked opponents (Michigan State and USC) as well as tough road games at TCU, West Virginia, and Charlotte. However, Houston's depth should improve immensely in a matter of weeks as junior college post player Sunshine Misa-Uli is expected to join the team when volleyball season ends. Next, Tye Jackson, preseason Conference USA First Team choice, is expected to return in about four weeks following knee surgery. Lastly, two more players Nakazi Glover and ShaQualon McKinney are expected to join the team in December once they get their academics in order. Therefore, when conference play begins in January, Houston's roster could increase from seven to 11.
Houston will take some lumps for awhile; but, things should get better later this season.
posted by Kris Gardner @ 12:38 AM
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