The Lady Billikens were in action in Texas twice in the span of three days last week, and the fatigue that accompanies travel clearly beset them. The Billikens dropped both games over that span; Saturday's game to Houston and Monday's game at Texas Christian University.
The Horned Frogs, currently in first place in Conference USA, dropped the Billikens 80-51 in Fort Worth. The Billikens allowed TCU to score on the first possession, but then proceeded to score seven points in a row to jump on top of TCU. The early burst was sparked by two three-pointers, one from sophomore Rachel Diener, and another from freshman Jackie Gilbert.
After building a 10-4 lead, the Billikens succumbed and allowed TCU to tie the score at 12.
After that, things began to unravel for the women's team as TCU closed on the first half on a 30-8 run, bringing the score to 42-20 in favor of the Horned Frogs.
Sophomore Krystle Hatton and freshman Mia Johnson did their best to stave of the run, but it was for naught.
The second half did nothing to lead the Billikens' belief that they could get back into the game. TCU's Sandora Irvin scored eight straight points leading the Horned Frogs to a 14-6 run to start the second half. The Billikens were out-muscled, too, as they lost the war on the boards, 57-23.
The one bright spot, again, for the Billikens was Johnson, who led the Billikens with 10 points. She was the only Billiken to reach double digits in points.
TCU's Vanessa Clementino led all scorers with 22 points. Irvin, who was two blocks short of a triple-double, finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
In Sunday's game at Houston, the Billikens did not fare much better. The Cougars ousted the Billikens by a final score of 92-47. Houston went on a 16-0 in the first half, quelling any hopes the Billikens had of overcoming the mighty Cougars. The Billikens did manage to draw it within 17-14, but Houston closed out the half with a 23-10 run.
Houston opened the second half with a 9-0 run, distancing themselves from the Billikens. The closest the Billikens got to Houston was when the score was 49-30. Closing the second half with a 43-17 run, Houston proved to be too strong and deep for the Billiken women's team.
There were, however, a few bright spots. Johnson, who seems to be as consistent as the rising sun, put up 12 points, again leading the Bills in scoring. Marquita McFarland added 10 points for the Billikens, and Tyler McIlwraith grabbed a career-high eight rebounds in a solid personal effort.
After the weekend, the Billikens record fell to 3-20 overall and 2-8 in Conference USA play. Next up for the Billikens is their final road game in C-USA at Memphis on Sunday, Feb. 13. at 2:00. The Billikens return home for a three-game home stand against DePaul, Marquette and Memphis from Feb. 18 to Feb. 25.
