The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Houston
Women's Basketball Tops Houston 86-55
2/1/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 1, 2002
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Behind a career high 27 points from Michelle Smith, 24 points from Natasha Thomas, a career high 14 points from Christina DeMaio and 10 points from Shaquetta Rhodes, UAB (9-12, 1-7 Conference USA) ended Houston's five-game winning streak, defeating the Cougars 86-55 in Conference USA women's basketball action at Bartow Arena.
Thomas recorded her C-USA leading 15th double-double of the season, as she posted 18 rebounds to go along with her 24 points and Smith had her fourth double-double of the season, adding 11 rebounds to her 27 point total.
The Lady Blazers shot 52.6 percent from the floor, 50 percent from three-point range and 92.6 percent from the free throw line. UAB held Houston to 33.3 percent shooting from the floor and 22.7 percent shooting from three-point range.
"We have been working on our attitude for awhile," said UAB Head Coach Jeannie Milling. "The kids finally believed they could do it, and they finally did it. They realized they had to take control. All week long they have been challenging themselves in practice. It all comes from a lot of hard work and belief in yourselves. They got over being nervous and kept focused on what they have to do. I think they did a better job in relaxing a little bit. It was a good game."
UAB dominated the boards, outrebounding Houston 54-19. The Lady Blazers were especially dominate on the defensive glass, getting 36 boards to Houston's nine.
Chandi Jones had 22 points to lead Houston (14-6, 4-3 C-USA), Shondra Bush added 12 points and Kiemona Harris had 10 points for the Cougars.
UAB took a 2-0 lead on a pair of Smith free throws and never looked back. The Lady Blazers led by as many as 34 points in the second half. The closest Houston would come in the second half would be a 14-point deficit at 50-36 with 15:44 remaining to play in the game.
UAB returns home to Bartow Arena Sunday to face TCU (16-4, 6-1) at 2 p.m.
