University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
12-12, 6-7
Houston
6-18, 1-12
Rowser's 24 Powers Memphis Past Houston
Feb 11, 2015 | Women's Basketball
HOUSTON - Redshirt sophomore guard Mooriah Rowser tied her career-high with 24 points, including 13 in the first half in a 64-58 win at Houston (6-18, 1-12 American). The win for Memphis (12-12, 6-7) snaps a three-game losing streak for the Tigers.
"I thought we got some much-needed minutes from our bench tonight," Head Coach Melissa McFerrin said. "We had foul trouble in the first half when we became turnover machines and we just needed some minutes from our bench. I thought Courtney Powell was great tonight."
The Tigers needed a pair of three point field goals late from Ariel to hit the locker room with a 35-31 halftime lead. With a little more than eight to go in the first half, all three Tiger posts were in foul trouble, with Asianna Fuqua-Bey, Brianna Wright and Cheyenne Creighton all on the bench with two fouls. Memphis tried to go with a four guard set to counter Houston's full-court pressure, but turned it over four times in the last five minutes of the half, then fouled the shooter for and-one attempts on the other end.
Houston took a lead in the waning minutes of the half, before Memphis countered with a jumper from Mooriah Rowser for two of her 13 first half points. Ariel Hearn added a three with one on the shot clock and another deep jumper for the halftime lead.
Memphis came out in the second half and again had to deal with foul trouble, opening the way for Powell, Brea Elmore and Amber Holmes to each post significant minutes in the second half.
"Ariel (Hearn) was getting face-guarded and when she picked up her fourth foul with nine minutes to go, we really needed minutes from our bench. I told our freshmen that we need you to not make freshman decisions out there and for most of the part, they didn't."
The Tigers held off the Cougars, who used a 13-0 run to cut in to the Memphis lead in the first half, thanks to 24 points from Rowser and 17 from Ariel Hearn. The 24 points ties Rowser's career high, and she also added a career-high five steals in the win.
Asianna Fuqua-Bey was the third Tiger in double-digit points, finishing with 10 points and eight rebounds before fouling out. In her absence, Memphis turned to Powell, and the junior responded with seven points and five rebounds.
Memphis has a bye date over the upcoming weekend and is back in action at home on Tuesday, February 17 at 7 p.m. when UCF comes to town.
