by Adam Burns
Sports Editor
For a team that continues to struggle in conference play, Houston (11-11 overall, 3-7 Conference USA) doesn't need any moral victories - they just need victories.
Despite hitting their first eight shots of the game, and despite a blistering performance by junior guard Damon Jones, the Cougars fell to No. 17 Louisville 70-66 Saturday in front of 4,875 at Hofheinz Pavilion.
With the score tied at 65 on a layup by Cougars senior center Anthony Knox, senior Louisville guard DeJuan Wheat knocked down a three and created a layup for teammate Alvin Sims to put Houston away.
The win breaks a three-game losing streak for the Cardinals (19-5, 6-3).
"That's the best we played in the past four games, that's for sure," Louisville coach Denny Crum said. "I think we shot the ball well for the first time since ... I can't remember."
Down by as much as 21-10 in the first half, the Cardinals began to use a full-court press right after starting Houston point guard Shamahn McBride left the game with a hurt knee (he would later return). Louisville was able to cut the lead to 38-37 going into the half. The Cardinals forced 21 turnovers for the game.
"I thought we had total control of the game until they switched to the full-court press," Houston coach Alvin Brooks said.
The Cardinals do not use the press often, but Crum thought it was merited against the Cougars.
"Houston's had a problem with the press," Crum said. "We felt we had to press every opportunity."
For Houston, Jones hit the open shots, broke up a couple fast-break opportunities for Louisville and hustled after every loose ball en route to 28 points on 9-of-13 shooting and five assists.
none of the other Cougars put in an equal performance, and Jones was matched at nearly every step by Wheat, who finished with 22 points and five assists.
"It's disappointing to lose the game when I thought we played as hard as we can play," Brooks said.