Cougars rout Bearkats, overcome tough turnover battle

42 turnovers combined.

Despite finishing that margin negative and shuffling between aggressive and sloppy gameplay, Houston women’s basketball tallied four double-digit scorers in an effort to rout Sam Houston 78-50 at Fertitta Center on Thursday evening.

“I told them it did not have to be perfect,” coach Matthew Mitchell said. “We got a lot of work we have to do.”

Houston finished with 25 turnovers despite forcing 17 of their own.

But most of the Bearkats’ struggles came in the paint as they only mustered 13 points in the split, while receiving eight blocks.

Sophomore center Elodie Lutbert administered half of those blocks.

The first half saw the Cougars struggle recording eight turnovers, and shooting 33%. They were fortunate to share a similar struggle with the Bearkats, who shot 29% while recording 10 turnovers.

“The first thing I did was just compliment on what a great defensive quarter we had,” Mitchell said. “I challenge them to refocus, and start shooting it the way we shoot at practice.”

The Cougars channeled that refocus by outscoring Sam Houston 31-17, including a 17-2 run late into the second quarter. All of senior guard Raegan McCowan’s first half points came in the second quarter as she scored nine off 4-for-5 shooting.

The Cougars shot 70% in the second quarter, helping make their lead as high as 22.

Much of the same happened in the second half, when they recorded nine turnovers in the third quarter, but trimmed that mark down to four in the fourth.

The Cougars were able to control the lead in the final frame, as they held the Bearkats to 26%, only allowing eight points.

Senior guard Esmeralda Enriquez led in Cougars’ scoring once again, with 17 points off 6-for-8 shooting.

Freshman guard Marta Llompart had a near triple-double, recording 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.

“She just turned 18 years old,” McCowan said. “I think she did a great job.”

McCowan recorded her first double-double of the season off of 15 points and 10 rebounds, along with taking a couple of charges.

“Really proud of Raegan, she was so tough,” Mitchell said. “It was great when Raegan McCowan decided to come to Houston.”

Up next, the Cougars will take on Stephen F. Austin on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m., to close out their opening three-game homestand.