Balanced scoring helps Coogs top Temple and improve to 2-1 in conference play

January 12, 2019 -- 6:29 p.m. CST

HOUSTON, TX (Fertitta Center) -- The Houston Cougars came-from-behind to defeat the Temple Owls 78-65 Saturday afternoon. With the win, Houston improves to 8-8 overall and 2-1 in the American Athletic Conference.

Houston sophomore guard / forward Julia Blackshell-Fair scored 15 points to lead 5 Houston players in double-digit scoring: Octavia Barnes, Dorian Branch, and Myyah West each scored 11 points; and, Angela Harris scored 10.

Houston won the game with 8 players. Yep, 8. Two players (Doris Branch and Jaidah Stewart) decided to transfer while two other players, Jasmyne Harris and Alyssa Okoene, have been suspended for a few games.

Houston has won two games in a row with 8 players. Wednesday, Houston won at SMU 72-61.

"I want to congratulate the girls on a great team win," said Houston Head Coach Ronald Hughey. "The last couple of days we've had great practices. The day after the SMU game we went a little light because we're playing with eight. Yesterday, we grinded out and got prepared on what Temple was going to bring."

Temple (4-11 overall, 4-3 in AAC) led Houston 20-12 at the end of the first quarter and 25-14 with 8:26 remaining in the second quarter.

Senior Octavia Barnes got hot in the second quarter and sank 3 three-pointers in the quarter for 9 of her 11 points in the period to help the Coogs outscore the Owls 22-13 in the quarter. Houston trailed Temple 34-33 at halftime.

Houston scored the first seven points in the third quarter for a 41-33 lead; however, Temple went on a 16-4 run to lead 49-45. Houston tied the game at 49 and led 56-55 after three quarters.

Blackshell-Fair scored 6 points during a 14-4 Houston run which put the Coogs up 11 (70-59) with 2:49 remaining in the ball game.

Temple pulled within 7 points; but, Houston sank three free throws and one 3-point shot to ice the ball game.

Blackshell-Fair stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in 24 minutes, 44 seconds.

Coach Hughey has high expectations for Blackshell-Fair - including an NBA player Hughey wants her to pattern her college game.

"She defends; so, she gets opportunities on both ends. Kawhi Leonard is one of the best players in the NBA because he's a two way player," Hughey said. "She's like that. It gives everyone confidence because the team knows Julia is going to draw two defenders. One person can't guard her. We have to create some movement to get her open; and, once we do that she can get downhill with the basketball."

The Coogs' bench outscored the Owls' bench 27-16. Houston also outscored Temple 17-8 in second-chance points and 24-11 in fast break points.

"We talked about the accountability of sticking together and holding your teammates accountable," Hughey commented. "It's a sisterhood where you have to pick your teammates up when mistakes happen. I think they did that; and, they were able to fight and get a win over a tough Temple team."

NEXT

Houston's next game is Sunday, January 20, on the road, against Wichita State. Tip is set for 1 p.m.

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