Coogs run over Tulsa, 76-44

UPDATED: January 26 -- 8:50 p.m. CST

POSTED: January 26, 2019 -- 8:29 p.m. CST

HOUSTON, TX (Fertitta Center) -- The Houston Cougars routed the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, 76-44, Saturday afternoon. Houston played its most complete game of the 2018-'19 season.

Houston (10-9 overall, 4-2 in American Athletic Conference) jumped to a 8-2 lead; however, Tulsa (9-10, 3-3) responded with a 9-2 run to lead 11-10 with 2:56 left in the first quarter.

Houston freshman center Tatyana Hill scored a layup to put the Coogs up 12-11. The Coogs led the rest of the ball game. Houston scored the final 7 points of the first period and led 17-11 after 10 minutes.

Then, Houston blew the game wide open with a sensational second quarter. Houston scored the first 15 points in the second quarter and outscored Tulsa 30-6 in the period.

THIRTY to six. Octavia Barnes led the Coogs with 8 points in the quarter. Six Coogs scored in the second period. Houston led 47-17 at halftime.

After the game, Houston Head Coach Ronald Hughey said the performance in the second quarter was the best quarter his team has played the entire season.

"I think so," Hughey said. "I think so. When you talk about putting it all together with rebounds, blocked shots, contesting shots, outlets, points in the paint. I haven't had a chance to watch the film, yet; but, I don't think we turned the ball over in the second quarter. Maybe AD (junior guard Angela Harris) once. It was really, really good."

Tulsa bounced back with 21 points in the third quarter; but, it was far too little and far too late. Houston led 64-38 after 3 periods; then, the Coogs limited Tulsa to six points in the fourth to cruise to the victory.

Tatyana scored a game-high 17 points to lead the Coogs. Junior Dorian Branch scored 15; and, Octavia Barnes scored 13.

Freshman point Dymond Gladney scored 8 points; dished out 3 assists; and, picked up 3 steals.

"I'm really proud her," Hughey said. "She's had this uneasy feeling when going into games where she's been a little nervous; so, I told her we were just going to throw her in there. I'm tired of her going back and forth. Just going to ride with her. If she turns it over 8 times, she turns it over 8 times. Your teammates give you all the confidence you need; but, you have to have as much confidence as you need to be able to come out and play. Today, she came out on top."

Houston finished the game with 19 assists on 28 baskets.

"Tremendous," Hughey commented.

The Coogs dominated the boards 50-34; outscored the Golden Hurricane 36-24 in the paint; 15-2 in second chance points; 16-5 in fast break points; and 17-10 in bench points.

Complete performance.

NOTE:

Saturday's game was the Coogs' For A Cure game. The Coogs honored people affected by Breast Cancer.

NEXT:

Houston's next game is Wednesday, January 30, on the road, against UCF. Tip is set for 5 p.m.

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