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Sports

Cougars pluck Golden Eagles in C-USA action

Brian Latham steps up offensively in UH win over Memphis; Andre Owens sets school record

By Sam Khan Jr.
The Daily Cougar

It wasn't pretty, but they got it done.

In a game that went from fast-paced and smooth to as a low-crawling slugfest, the Cougars survived a late charge from Southern Mississippi, as they got by the Golden Eagles 63-53 Saturday in front of 3,883 spectators at Hofheinz Pavilion.

After leading by as much as 19 in the second half, the Golden Eagles climbed back -- mainly through their success at the free-throw line as they converted 19-of-21 attempts -- to close the gap to four with 2:23 to go. That's when the Cougar defense tightened the screws, forcing the Golden Eagles to miss on five of their last six shot attempts, sealing Houston's 11th victory of the season.

"Southern Miss kept it close, and they knocked down free throw after free throw, but we kept our poise and took care of business," UH head coach Tom Penders said. "I was pleased with our defensive effort. We preach defense, defense, defense, and that's what won the game."

The Cougars forced 21 turnovers marking the eighth time they've forced at least 20 this season. They turned out to be the extra possessions Houston needed, as the Cougars shot a dismal 37.9 percent from the field for the contest.

Junior guard Brian Latham came off the bench for the second consecutive game to provide that defensive spark for Houston, but he also lead the attack offensively with 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting.

"Brian Latham started everything for us defensively," Penders said. "When you can't wait to get back on defense and start something, that's the key. Brian does that, and as a result, offense will come easy."

Latham says he understands his role is to be a stopper on his team, starting or not.

"I know that my defense will create my offense, and I know that's how I'll get playing time," he said.

Several other Cougars got their hands on the ball defensively, as sophomore guard Lanny Smith picked up a team-high five steals to go with his 13 points. Junior forward Ramon Dyer added three steals along with 10 rebounds, including seven on the offensive

glass.

Junior forward Rodney Hannah also continued to provide an inside presence for Houston, picking up eight rebounds and two blocked shots. 

For Southern Miss, junior forward Jasper Johnson led the Golden Eagles' late charge, providing 14 points and nine rebounds. Junior guard Michael Ford also added 14 although it was on 3-of-12 shooting.

The win puts the Cougars at 11-6 on the season and 2-1 in Conference USA. Senior guard Andre Owens also made a little bit of history with the 18 points he scored for the night, as he hit four shots from behind the arc to pass Damon Jones' school record for career three-pointers with 184. Jones set the previous mark at 182.

"We take the threes in the flow of the offense, and if I have an open shot, I take it," Owens said. "I'm proud to have the record."

"I guarantee that record will be broken as long as I'm here," Penders said.
 

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