The Houston Roundball Review Media Group covers sports
by: Kris Gardner. Credentialed media member since 1997. USBWA approved online journalist. Voter of Naismith, USBWA, WBHOF, and Wooden awards.

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Houston Cougars 50, Cincinnati Bearcats 59

Poor 1st half hurts Coogs in loss to Bearcats

Posted: January 12, 2014 -- 12:36 pm CST.

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- The Houston Cougars battled and played in the second half Saturday afternoon; but, they couldn't overcome a sluggish  first half and lost to the Cincinnati Bearcats 59-50.

The Coogs (4-12 overall, 0-5 in the American Athletic Conference) trailed the Bearcats (8-8, 1-4) 36-22 at halftime; but, the Coogs clamped down defensively and limited the Bearcats to seven points in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

The Coogs crawled back into the game and trailed 43-36 with 7:47 remaining.

“It was just too many bad possessions early,” said coach Wade Scott. “We let them get the lead and they were able to hold on there at the end.”

Bad possessions doomed the Coogs the next five minutes; and, the Bearcats answered with an 11-4 run to lead by 14 points (54-40) with just 2:20 remaining.

The Cougars pulled within six points with 36 seconds remaining; but, they were unable to get any closer.

Houston senior Te'onna Campbell scored a team-high 21 points. Campbell made 9 of her 15 field goal attempts. Campbell's 9 baskets were half the team's total of 18 made baskets out of 57 attempts (31.6%).

"The one positive is that the kids played hard and tried to come back in it," Scott added. "There just comes a time when playing hard just isn’t enough though. You have to play hard, but you also have to win games."

The Coogs' next game is Saturday, January 18, on the road against the Memphis Tigers. Tip is set for 4 p.m.

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