Cougars cook themselves some Rice
By Brad Sebastian
Daily Cougar Staff
The women's basketball team pulled out a thrilling 67-65 victory over
cross-town rival Rice in the first round of the Women's National
Invitational Tournament on Wednesday night in Hofheinz Pavilion.
The back-and-forth contest did not disappoint a raucous crowd of 1,964,
as the outcome was in doubt until the final possession.
The energetic mix of the UH and Rice faithful created an electric atmosphere.
"I thought it was a great college basketball game," UH head coach Joe
Curl said. "It was great for the WNIT (and) even better for the city of
Houston."
The Lady Cougars came out sluggish in the first half; poor shooting
and costly turnovers allowed the Owls to build a 31-18 lead with 8
minutes, 15 seconds remaining in the first half.
But the Cougars came roaring back with a 14-0 run to take a 32-31 lead
with 4:30 left in the half.
Houston trailed 39-38 at halftime. The Lady Cougars failed to score
a basket for the first four minutes of the second half, allowing the Owls
to
take a 46-38 advantage early in the second half.
But at the 7:53 mark, an offensive rebound and put-back by junior Angela
Curl gave Houston a 56-55 lead.
With 46 seconds in the game, sophomore Chandi Jones put in a lay-up
and was fouled. After she made her free throw, the Cougars held a
slim lead, 65-63.
On Rice's next possession, Johnetta Hayes hit an eight-foot fade-away
to tie the game at 65.
With 25 seconds left, Jones was fouled on her way to the basket.
Jones made the first of two critical free throws to give the Cougars
a one-point lead, 66-65.
Jones' second free throw clanged off the iron, and the rebound was mishandled
and went out of bounds.
Initially, officials awarded possession to the Cougars, but then reversed
their decision and gave the ball to Rice.
"He's (the official that made the call) always been fair," Curl said
of the call. "I asked him what happened and he said it went off her knee.
What
are you going to say (to that)? I thought it was a well-officiated
game."
On its next trip down the court, Rice failed to take advantage of the
call, missing a shot.
Jones picked up a loose ball and was fouled with three seconds left.
Jones stepped to the line and calmly made one of her two free throws
to extend the Cougar lead to two points.
The Owls missed a desperation half-court shot at the buzzer to seal
the victory for Houston.
"It was a great feeling," Jones said. "I don't really have any words
to express it. I'm just glad that we won."
Jones had six assists while leading all scorers with 20 points.
Valerie Muoneke had an outstanding effort in the post with 14 points,
11 rebounds and four blocks.
"We're blessed to have a team like this," Muoneke said. "They pick you
up and keep you going."
Rice guard Michelle Woods led the Owls in scoring with 18 points.
The Lady Cougars will face Miami (Fla.) at Hofheinz Pavilion on Saturday
night in the second round of the NIT.
This will mark the first time since 1991 the team has been to the second
round of the WNIT.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
