Cougars lose to Tulsa by 4

Posted: February 14, 2013 -- 10:03 p.m. CT.

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- The Houston Cougars followed up a big come-from-behind victory on Sunday afternoon with a disappointing effort which led to a 59-55 loss to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane Thursday night in front of an announced crowd of 433 fans.

The Cougars (10-13 overall, 4-6 in Conference USA) led 28-26 at halftime thanks to 5 of 13 shooting from behind the three-point line.

Tulsa grabbed a 40-37 lead in the second half before Houston went on an 8-0 run and led 45-40 at the 8:18 mark of the second half.

Then, the Coogs stopped executing on offense and played porous defense.

Tulsa (10-13, 5-5) responded with a 9-0 run thanks to four turnovers by the Coogs combined with two missed free throws and two missed field goals.

Tulsa's lead grew to 56-49 before Houston senior point guard made two free throws and a layup to trim the deficit to three points (56-53) with 51 seconds remaining.

After Tulsa's Kelsee Grovey missed a three-point shot, Cougar freshman Alecia Smith missed a game-tying three-point shot and teammate Marissa Ashton was whistled for a loose ball foul which led to two free throws for Tulsa with nine seconds left in the game.

Tulsa's Mariah Turner split the foul shots; and, Landry raced up the court and nailed a long two point jump shot for a 57-55 Tulsa lead.

4.4 seconds were left in the game; and, the Cougars were forced to foul Grovey. Grovey made both free throws to seal the game.

The Coogs committed 16 turnovers in the game -- 10 in the second half. Landry turned the ball over eight times.


Tulsa outrebounded the Coogs 42-33 as Tiffani Couisnard from Houston's The Kinkaid School snared a game-high 15 rebounds.