Houston Cougars 59, UCF Knights 67

Posted: December 28, 2013 -- 5:55 pm CST.

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- The Houston Cougars and UCF Knights competed in the inaugural conference game of the brand new American Athletic Conference Saturday afternoon. Though the game was not a beautiful sight to see, both teams played extremely hard; but, in the end missed opportunities doomed the Coogs in their 67-59 loss to the Knights.

The Cougars (4-8, 0-1 in conference) began the game sluggishly and trailed the Knights 9-2 early in the ball game. However, sophomore guard Alecia nailed her first of four three-point baskets during a 7-0 run which helped the Cougars tie the game at 9

Over the next nine minutes, the game was tied seven more times in the first half before Houston sophomore Jessieka Palmer split free throws and Smith nailed her third three-point shot the half to close out the first half scoring with the Cougars ahead 31-27.

The second half was much like the final minutes of the first half. Neither team led by more thank six points during the first eight minutes of the half. But, UCF (8-4, 1-0 overall began to inch forward and owned a 52-43 lead with 9:41 left in the ball game.

The Knights increased the lead to 12 (57-45) with 7:41 remaining before Campbell sank a jump shot and Alecia Smith  made another three-point basket trim Houston's deficit to 59-50 with 6:25 on the clock.

Smith and Campbell combined for four more points which helped the Coogs cut into their deficit even more. Houston trailed the Knights 61-57 with 3:35 on the clock.

Unfortunately for the Coogs, they turned the ball over twice and missed two field goal attempts which allowed UCF to finally end the scoreless drought with two made free throws with just 35 seconds left in the game for a 63-57 Knights' lead.

Campbell ended the Coogs' field goal drought with a driving layup with 32 seconds remaining; however, the Knights took advantage of the Coogs' fouling them and scored their final points of the game from the free throw line.

Campbell finished the game with a team-high 16 points; and, she pulled down 10 rebounds. Smith added 15 points. Yasmeen Thompson grabbed a team-high 13 rebounds.

Their second half shooting doomed the Coogs: Houston made just 22.8% (8 for 32 field goals); 12.5% (1 for 8 three-point shots) and just 55.0% (11 of 20 free throws).

The Coogs will try to bounce back on New Year's Eve with a home game versus USF. Tip is set for 2 pm.

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