Poor field goal efficiency, paint management results in sixth straight loss for the Cougars

Houston women’s basketball is collecting blowouts like trading cards, with the newest being an 81-56 stomping at the hands of Arizona State Saturday at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe. 

Their sixth straight loss dropped the Cougars’ conference record to a measly 1-15 and 7-20 overall, good for last in the Big 12.

Despite briefly holding a 6-2 lead, Houston made just 12 more field goals the rest of the contest. The Cougars shot a woeful 28% from the field, a far cry in comparison to Arizona State’s 55%.

Houston’s inability to match paint success was apparent again, scoring 20 under the rim compared to Arizona State’s 52. Houston was also walloped in the rebounding category, grabbing just 18 total rebounds against Arizona State’s 48.

The Cougars were able to find success getting to the line and converting, making 24 out of 27 free-throw attempts. Three Cougars ended the day with a team-leading 13 points, those being graduate guard Briana Peguero, senior guard TK Pitts and sophomore guard Shun’teria Anumele coming off the bench. 

Pitts also led the team in rebounds with seven, while graduate forward Amirah Abdur-Rahim led the team in assists with three.

The Cougars were also able to cut down on turnovers, committing just 12 to Arizona State’s 16. This makes the third straight game Houston was able to tie or win the turnover battle. They have shown improvement in this area despite the downs.

Four Sun Devils reached double-digit points in the contest, with sophomore forward Heloisa Carrera leading the way with 23 and shooting 10 out of 12 from the field. She and senior guard Marley Washenitz led Arizona State in rebounds with eight. 

With just two more regular season games left, coach Matthew Mitchell hopes his team can end the season on a high note. He expressed that he believes the foundation of a winning women’s basketball team is being built on hard work and hustle.

“They’ve had some great moments of hustle, and I know they’ve gotten better as a team and we’re getting better as a program,” Mitchell said. He continued by saying the future is very bright in Houston.

The Cougars will remain in the Grand Canyon State as they move forward to take on the Arizona Wildcats at the McKay Center on Feb. 24.