Houston Cougars 58, LSU 59

UPDATED: November 29, 2011 -- 11:25 p.m. CT

POSTED: November 29, 2011 -- 10:50 p.m. CT

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- For the second straight game, the Houston Cougars lost in the final seconds. Tuesday night, LSU's Storm Warren made two free throws with 1.2 seconds remaining to cap off the scoring in a 59-58 defeat for the Cougars. The loss is the third straight 'L' for the Coogs (3-3).

After a stellar first half which ended with a 38-30 halftime lead over the Tigers, the Cougars were dominated on the offensive boards. The Tigers grabbed an astounding 14 offensive rebounds in the second twenty minutes including the last offensive rebound which led to the two free throws by Warren in the final 1.2 seconds.

The Tigers (4-3) signaled the second half would be different from the first half in the first 73 seconds. The Tigers played volleyball and picked up five (yes, five) offensive rebounds on their second possession of the half. Despite not scoring on the possession, the Tigers' attempt at keep away demoralized the Coogs and their fans.

"They (LSU) go down (the court) and get five offensive rebounds on one possession and set the tone for the second half and just really attack the offensive boards," said James Dickey, Houston Cougars head coach. "That was the theme all the way to the last play. They got the offensive rebound and then we fouled."

Neither team's offense was a work of art in the second half. The Coogs made 9 of 23 field goals (39.1%). The Tigers launched shots simply to go grab them off the glass. The Tigers shot a frigid 27.5% (11 for 40) from the field; but, they pulled down 14 offensive rebounds. The Coogs were out-rebounded 27-16 in the second half.

Jonathan Simmons scored a tough leaner from the baseline to put the Coogs ahead 58-57 with 9.8 seconds remaining; however, after each squad called a thirty-second timeout, LSU's Anthony Hickey quickly dribbled up the court and launched a runner off the glass. The shot attempt missed; but, LSU big man Storm Warren grabbed the rebound and was fouled by Houston freshman forward TaShawn Thomas with 1.2 ticks on the clock.

After Warren made the free throws, Houston's J.J. Thompson raced up the court and heaved a half-court shot which banged off the glass to seal the Coogs' fate.

Though poor rebounding on the defensive end of the court was a huge factor in the loss, 20 turnovers hurt the Coogs a great deal as well.

"Our primary ball handlers turned it over fifteen times," said Coach Dickey. "We had twenty turnovers for the game. They got thirty-one points on second chance (15) and offensive rebounds (16); and, they only had 59 for the game.

"I don't want to take anything from LSU. They went and made plays; but, we've got to quit helping people."

Coach Dickey acknowledges his team is young and inexperienced; but, neither characteristic is acceptable.

"We're young; but, that's not an excuse because we have talent," Coach Dickey said.

TaShawn Thomas played well against the Tigers' huge frontline. Thomas stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points; eight rebounds (6 defensive rebounds); two assists; two blocked shots; and four steals.

Alandise Harris had a great game -- on offense. Harris scored 21 points (7 for 12 from the field, including 2 for 3 on threes as well as 5 for 6 on threes). Harris also blocked three shots; but, Harris did not grab a single defensive rebound.

"That first possession really set the tone when they got those five offensive rebounds on that one possession," Coach Dickey lamented.

The Cougars will try to snap their three-game losing streak Saturday, December 3, when they host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Tip is set for 7 p.m.

Coach Dickey said, "As I told our guys: 'We have these home games but we're not protecting our home court. You've got to revere this great building -- Hofheinz Pavilion; Guy V. Lewis Court. This is your home. You've got to protect it.' And, we're not doing a good job doing that."

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