NEW LOOK, NEW SEASON
The Lady Cougars are two games in with a new head coach
By LaQuita Thompson
Houston, TX – The college basketball season has arrived, and the excitement is palpable among the University of Houston Women’s basketball team. After enduring a challenging few years marked by numerous losses, player transfers, injuries, and dwindling fan support, the program is ready for a fresh start. With a new coach bringing an infectious energy, the Lady Coogs are transforming into a revitalized team eager to embrace the upcoming season.
Last night, the Fertitta Center was the battleground as the Lady Cougars faced off against the University of Texas San Antonio. The game started off challenging for the Cougars, who struggled to find their scoring rhythm, allowing the Roadrunners to stay competitive throughout the first quarter and into the second half. While the Cougars had difficulty establishing their offense from the perimeter, this adversity only fueled their intensity on the defensive end.
The Cougars managed to maintain their composure and eventually seize the momentum, thanks to the pressure applied by their guards and solid defense in the paint. Kierra Merchant, a dynamic 5-9 guard, caught fire from beyond the arc, showcasing her scoring ability and propelling the Cougars closer to victory. Her performance ignited a surge of intensity among her teammates, leading to a relentless effort that forced turnovers from San Antonio, which they quickly converted into points.
The first quarter concluded with San Antonio in the lead, 15-12. Briana Peguero, a 5-7 guard, along with 6-1 guard TK Pitts and 6-3 forward Amirah Abdur-Rahim, began to make significant contributions, helping the Cougars tie the game at 20-20 with a 5-1 run. As the second quarter progressed, both teams engaged in a competitive exchange of points, ultimately ending the half in a deadlock at 27.
The halftime pep talk seemed to ignite a spark in the Cougars, as they emerged from the locker room with a swift 6-0 run to kick off the second half. The intensity of the game escalated, with both teams showcasing strong defensive efforts. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Lady Cougars maintained a narrow six-point lead. Amirah Abdur Rahim was a force on the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds, while Merchant contributed with 8. The final quarter proved to be a defensive battle, with San Antonio seizing a few key opportunities that narrowed the score to just two points at 50-48 with two minutes remaining. However, Briana Peguero delivered a clutch baseline jumper, securing the victory for the Cougars with a final score of 52-48, marking their second win of the season.
Kierra Merchant was the standout player for the team, scoring 21 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Amirah Abdur Rahim contributed significantly with 9 points and 11 rebounds, while Briana Peguero added 6 points. TK Pitts also made an impact with 4 points and 9 rebounds. The team is gearing up for an exciting matchup against their hometown rivals, the Rice Owls, on Tuesday, November 11, at 6:30 PM.
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